This follows an injury Raya picked up during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend, where he was seen limping with a heavily strapped thigh as he left the Etihad Stadium.
Raya’s problem was confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, where Arteta stated, “We don’t know yet,” when asked about Raya’s potential return this weekend. “He’s got a muscular injury.”
In Raya’s absence, Arteta was forced to hand a debut to 16-year-old Jack Porter, who became Arsenal’s youngest-ever senior starter, surpassing the previous record held by Cesc Fàbregas.
Porter, an England U17 international, was promoted to the starting lineup after showing promise in first-team training and had previously made the bench for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Atalanta.
Despite his limited experience, Arteta praised Porter’s composed performance, stating, “He reacted really well, he was really composed in training and today as well. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”
With Neto, Arsenal’s loan signing from Wolves, cup-tied after featuring in the League Cup with Bournemouth, and new signing Lucas Nygaard still recovering from a broken thumb, Arsenal faced a goalkeeping crisis.
Another option, 18-year-old Tommy Setford, was also unavailable due to injury, and academy goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo, the younger brother of former Gunner Arthur Okonkwo, was on the U21 bench but not considered ready for a first-team start.
As a result, Alex Rojas, who has also been training with the first team, was named as the backup keeper on the bench.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Raya’s injury is not severe and that he will be fit for the crucial match against Leicester, but, for now, his status remains uncertain.
If he is unable to play, Neto will make his Arsenal debut.
