Latest Arsenal injury news with Mikel Arteta facing a nightmare scenario with potentially three goalkeepers ruled out of the Bolton Carabao Cup clash
Mikel Arteta is facing a major selection headache for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Bolton, with David Raya potentially one of many to miss the game through injury. Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are the two notable names on the Gunners’ injury list and they could soon be joined by a key trio.
Following the chaotic 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League, Raya was spotted leaving Etihad Stadium with a noticeable limp. During the clash, the Spain international did receive some treatment, and now it seems that may not have been in an attempt to run down the clock.
Alongside Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber were also seen by physios, with Arteta keen to give nothing away when asked for the latest injury news. In his pre-Bolton press conference, he said: “Let’s see who is available tomorrow. Unfortunately, there will be a few players not available. Tomorrow you will find out.”
With Odegaard already ruled out of the upcoming cup fixture, the Arsenal boss was able to provide a hopeful timeline on when he could return. “I think it will be a matter of weeks, but how long exactly I cannot tell. We might get a surprise, but I think it’s unlikely he’ll be back before the international break,” he revealed.
Given the concerns surrounding Raya, Arteta was also asked for a specific update on his condition, and unsurprisingly, given the nightmare goalkeeper situation he is facing, he remained coy. “Let’s see how they are today,” Arteta said. “We’ll try to make a call on that if we believe that’s a possibility.”
A cup clash against lower league opposition would have been the perfect time to hand loan summer signing Neto his debut. However, the experienced shot-stopper cannot feature as he is cup-tied having played in the previous round for Bournemouth against West Ham.
If Arteta opts not to select Raya or his possible injury keeps him out, third-choice option Tommy Setford, who also joined in the summer, would be given the nod. However, the former Ajax man is currently dealing with a hip injury and that is why 16-year-old Jack Porter is in line to make his senior debut.
The teenager has made two appearances for Arsenal’s under-18’s this season but is now set to make his first-team bow. If Raya is dealing with a muscular issue, Neto will be available for all Premier League fixtures and could therefore come into the starting XI this weekend against Leicester, but he cannot feature on Wednesday evening.