Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya missed the club’s final Champions League group-stage match due to injury, raising concerns ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City.
With Arsenal already poised to qualify for the knockout stages, Arteta made seven changes for Wednesday’s match against Girona. Among them was the introduction of 35-year-old goalkeeper Neto, who made his debut for the Gunners.
Initially, it was believed Raya had simply been rested with Sunday’s massive showdown against City in mind. However, Arteta later revealed that the Spanish shot-stopper was unavailable due to fitness concerns.
Asked about Raya’s absence, Arteta told TNT Sports: “Yeah, he’s not fit. Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance, it’s Neto.”
Neto, currently on loan from Bournemouth, became Arsenal’s oldest debutant in over a century when he stepped in against Girona.
The Brazilian, who has played for Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia, and Barcelona, boasts Champions League experience but had yet to feature for Arsenal this season as Raya’s backup.
Commenting on Arteta’s revelation, TNT Sports co-commentator Lucy Ward acknowledged the potential setback for Arsenal ahead of their highly anticipated clash with City, stating: “What Arteta said about Raya not being fit is certainly a worry for Arsenal ahead of that huge game against Man City.”
Despite Raya’s absence, Arteta also rotated heavily in midfield and defense, with key players such as Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz all starting on the bench.
Meanwhile, Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino returned to action after missing Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Wolves, and Jakub Kiwior was handed a rare start.
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, speaking ahead of the match, backed Arsenal as serious contenders for the Champions League title.
“I think Arsenal have been really impressive,” he said. “If they continue defensively as they are, I think they could win it. If they could get someone up top, I think they could be a problem for any team.”
With a top-of-the-table battle against Manchester City looming, Arsenal fans will be eager for updates on Raya’s condition as Arteta’s side looks to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool.