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Arsenal guaranteed to be without six players for Leicester as David Raya decision 'confirmed'

Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of David Raya ahead of Arsenal vs Leicester (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Mikel Arteta knows his Arsenal side will need to be on top of their game against Leicester if they are to come away from Emirates Stadium with three points on Saturday afternoon.

"They have a lot of ability," the Gunners boss admitted. "I know Steve [Cooper] very well, and what he has done and is trying to do. I have watched three or four of their games from this season and they have a threat. He has the formula because he beat us when he was at [Nottingham] Forest and it is a game we will take very seriously because they are tough opponents."

Arsenal have started the season in decent form but may have to face Leicester without their No.1 goalkeeper. David Raya is struggling with a thigh injury and Arteta is unsure if the Spaniard will be fit in time for the 3pm kick off.

"We have to wait 24 hours to see if it’s looking good or not that good," Arteta said during Friday's pre-match press conference. "It’s not about a risk, it’s about a player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is the main thing we’re thinking about at the moment, we will make that decision tomorrow."

If Raya does miss the clash then Neto is set to make his Arsenal debut, with 16-year-old Jack Porter likely named on the bench as cover. Summer signing Mikel Merino is closing in on a return but this weekend comes a little too soon.

"Tomorrow is too soon. Next week we’ll see," Arteta said. "He had partial training today. He’s been working so hard. It’s looking good. It’s about the healing of the bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact basically."

READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on David Raya injury, Man City criticism and Arsenal youngsters

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Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the remaining senior players set to miss the clash, although Tomiyasu is said to be progressing well. "He had a partial training today and he looked good," Arteta said on Friday. "Again, he’s probably a little bit behind Mikel but we don’t know with Tomi because he’s another one that pushes every day, but he’s in a good place now I think."

Two players who Arteta will be able to call upon is Jurrien Timber and Ben White, however. "Jurrien was able to take part in training today, that’s good news, so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben too," Arteta confirmed.

This latest injury news means Arteta will likely be without six senior players for the visit of Leicester, although this includes Raya who faces a late fitness test. So, looking at the official Arsenal website, the Gunners have 16 fit senior players available for selection for the game at Leicester. As per Premier League rules, a club is allowed to name a squad of 20 players for a Premier League match which means a few academy stars will need to step up.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been training with the first team all season so will likely be named in the squad once again. Young defender Ayden Heaven was named on the bench against Bolton in midweek so may be given another opportunity, while Porter will act as cover for Neto.

Possible Arsenal squad for Leicester: Neto, Porter; White, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Heaven; Partey, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Havertz; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus.

Senior players unavailable for Leicester: Odegaard (ankle injury), Tomiyasu (knee injury), Tierney (hamstring injury), Merino (shoulder injury), Zinchenko (calf injury), Raya (thigh injury).