Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed uncertainty about goalkeeper David Raya’s availability for Saturday’s Premier League match against promoted Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium due to a thigh injury.
The 29-year-old Raya, who has eight caps for Spain, missed Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over League One’s Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup, with 16-year-old Jack Porter starting in his place. Raya was seen limping after last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
“We need to wait 24 hours to assess his condition. It’s about whether he’s fit to play,” Arteta stated. Brazilian Neto, 35, who joined Arsenal from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, is poised to step in if Raya cannot play.
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Arteta confirmed that Dutch defender Jurrien Timber will be available against Leicester, and he is optimistic about Ben White’s status as well. However, new midfielder Mikel Merino is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.
“Tomorrow is too soon for Merino; we’ll see about next week. He has been working hard and looked good in partial training,” Arteta noted.
Despite the absence of Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury, Arsenal sits fourth in the Premier League with 11 points from five matches. Arteta praised his team’s resilience in overcoming challenges so far this season.
“If you had told me this scenario at the start of the season, given our tough schedule, I’d be very pleased,” he said. “The team has handled it well, with many players stepping up in leadership roles, and I’m really happy about that.”
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