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Mikel Arteta provides David Raya injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Leicester

David Raya faces a race against time to be fit for Arsenal's clash against Leicester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Mikel Arteta has provided an update on David Raya after the Arsenal goalkeeper missed the Carabao Cup third round win against Bolton Wanderers.

Raya missed the clash due to a thigh injury, football.london understands, with 16-year-old Jack Porter making his debut against the League One side. Neto, on loan from Bournemouth, is cup tied while third choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford is injured.

With Arsenal welcoming Leicester City to Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Gunners supporters will be hoping Raya will make a return for the fixture. Arteta did not give a concrete answer on his goalkeeper following the 5-1 win over Bolton, however.

Asked if the Spaniard is fine for the weekend, Arteta said: "We don't know yet." On what kind of injury it is, Arteta added: "He's got a muscular injury, yes."

All eyes will now be on training and if Raya recovers in time for the clash against the Foxes. The former Brentford man has been in sensational form this season, starting all five of Arsenal's Premier League games. The 29-year-old has conceded just three goals and has kept three clean sheets in the league.

Porter, who became the youngest ever player to start an Arsenal first-team game, was told he would be playing against Bolton on Tuesday. If Raya does not return to fitness in time for the clash against Leicester, it's likely the teenager will be named on the bench, with Neto starting in goal.

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Asked about Porter's performance against Bolton, Arteta said: "Well, 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 teammates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record."