Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, is a doubt for their upcoming Premier League match against Leicester City due to a muscular injury. Raya, who has been in excellent form for Arsenal this season, was absent during the Gunners' 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, which raised concerns about his fitness. The goalkeeper had previously been seen limping with a bandage on his right knee following Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend.
Although there was initial speculation that Raya's injury was not serious, Arteta revealed after the Bolton game that the Spanish keeper is indeed dealing with a muscular issue. When asked about Raya's availability for the Leicester match, Arteta stated, “We don’t know yet. He has got a muscular injury,” indicating that a decision will be made closer to the weekend.
Raya's absence could be a significant setback for Arsenal's defensive plans, given his contributions to the team in recent key victories against Wolves, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and in the Champions League against Atalanta. His standout performance against Manchester City, particularly with a stunning double save, has solidified his role as a key figure in Arsenal's lineup this season.
With backup goalkeeper Neto cup-tied and unavailable due to his previous involvement in the competition with Bournemouth, Arsenal turned to 16-year-old Jack Porter for his debut in the Carabao Cup match against Bolton. Porter received support from former Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who offered words of encouragement on social media ahead of the match.
In addition to providing updates on Raya, Arteta also praised young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made his first-team debut in the closing stages of the Manchester City draw. Arteta spoke highly of the 17-year-old midfielder, commending his versatility and competitive nature. Lewis-Skelly, who can play in various positions including left-back, No.6, and No.8, has impressed Arteta with his intelligence and adaptability on the pitch. Arteta noted that Lewis-Skelly's competitive edge and hunger to learn have made him a valuable asset, and the team will continue to use him in different roles going forward.
As Arsenal prepares to face Leicester City, the potential absence of David Raya adds an element of uncertainty to the lineup. However, Arteta’s praise for the young talents in the squad signals the club’s confidence in its depth and ability to adapt to challenges.
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