Summer arrival Neto could make his Arsenal debut against Foxes
Mikel Arteta says David Raya is a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Leicester on Saturday.
Raya missed Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Bolton with a thigh injury as 16-year-old Jack Porter made his debut.
Porter put in a steady performance, helping the Gunners book a place in the fourth round with a 5-1 victory.
Arsenal are next in action this weekend, when they host Leicester in the Premier League, and Arteta refused to confirm Raya would be back.
“We don’t know yet,” he said. “He’s got a muscular injury.”
David Raya was not involved in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton
REUTERS
If Raya is out then on-loan goalkeeper Neto would come into the team. He could not play on Wednesday as he was cup tied.
No3 goalkeeper Tommy Setford was also unavailable due to a hip issue and that is why Arteta turned to Porter. The goalkeeper became the youngest player to ever start a game for Arsenal at 16 years and 72 days.
He was one of four teenagers that started the match at Emirates Stadium and Arteta revealed after they have school in the morning.
“There are a few [with school],” he said. “There are a few that are going to have to be there.
“I think 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.
“We told him (Porter) 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.”
