Major Arsenal star a doubt for Leicester game with injury | OneFootball

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya remains a doubt for the Gunners’ Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday after being sidelined with a muscular injury.

This follows an injury Raya picked up during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend, where he was seen limping with a heavily strapped thigh as he left the Etihad Stadium.

Raya’s problem was confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, where Arteta stated, “We don’t know yet,” when asked about Raya’s potential return this weekend. “He’s got a muscular injury.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: David Raya of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In Raya’s absence, Arteta was forced to hand a debut to 16-year-old Jack Porter, who became Arsenal’s youngest-ever senior starter, surpassing the previous record held by Cesc Fàbregas.

Porter, an England U17 international, was promoted to the starting lineup after showing promise in first-team training and had previously made the bench for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Atalanta.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Jack Porter of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Despite his limited experience, Arteta praised Porter’s composed performance, stating, “He reacted really well, he was really composed in training and today as well. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”

With Neto, Arsenal’s loan signing from Wolves, cup-tied after featuring in the League Cup with Bournemouth, and new signing Lucas Nygaard still recovering from a broken thumb, Arsenal faced a goalkeeping crisis.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Jack Porter interacts with Gabriel of Arsenal after the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Another option, 18-year-old Tommy Setford, was also unavailable due to injury, and academy goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo, the younger brother of former Gunner Arthur Okonkwo, was on the U21 bench but not considered ready for a first-team start.

As a result, Alex Rojas, who has also been training with the first team, was named as the backup keeper on the bench.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Raya’s injury is not severe and that he will be fit for the crucial match against Leicester, but, for now, his status remains uncertain.

If he is unable to play, Neto will make his Arsenal debut.