Mikel Arteta shares worrying David Raya injury update as Arsenal keeper misses Bolton win
David Raya was spotted limping through the mixed zone on Sunday after Arsenal's dramatic 2-2 draw away to Premier League title rivals Manchester City
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is doubtful for Saturday's Premier League clash against Leicester City. The Spaniard picked up a muscle injury in the latter stages of the Gunners' pulsating 2-2 draw at Manchester City last weekend - despite being accused of time-wasting. Raya dropped to the turf in the closing stages of the thrilling spectacle but City's players were adamant the Euro 2024 winner was just looking to run down the clock. But after the former Brentford shot-stopper was spotted limping through the mixed zone at the Etihad Stadium with a bandage across his thigh, Arteta has now confirmed his £27million signing is indeed nursing an issue.
When quizzed on Raya's potential availability for Leicester, Arteta said after his side thumped Bolton Wanderers 5-1 in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night: "We don’t know yet. He’s got a muscular injury so we need to check." Raya was given the night off as 16-year-old Jack Porter became the youngest ever goalkeeper to represent the Gunners. He is also the second youngest player to feature for the club after exciting attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who struck twice in the victory. Arteta later added on Porter: “We told him yesterday and he was over the moon straight away. I think he spoke to his family and they weren’t prepared for that. It’s a big step, it’s a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it.
“But I think he reacted really well, he was really composed yesterday in training and today as well. His team-mates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record.” Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber and Ben White are also suffering with fitness issues. Timber experienced discomfort in his thigh while White is nursing slight pain in his knee which is why he did not start at City. Arteta said when asked whether the four teenagers that featured against Bolton have school tomorrow: “There are a few, they’re going to have to be there! It’s going to be great, they were buzzing after the game, they spoke to the players just to thank them as well, it was a nice moment.”
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