Mikel Arteta remains tight-lipped about David Raya’s potential return for Arsenal’s Premier League match against Leicester City, stating that he will make a final decision on the Spain goalkeeper’s fitness tomorrow morning.
Raya sustained a thigh injury during last Sunday’s intense 2-2 draw against Manchester City and was unable to participate in the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers. When asked about Raya’s condition, Arteta said, “We have to wait another 24 hours. We’ll assess whether things are looking good or not. It’s crucial to determine if the player is fit and available. Once we have that clarity regarding Leicester, we will make a decision tomorrow.”
On a positive note, defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White look ready to return to the squad after training on Friday morning. However, midfielder Mikel Merino remains unavailable, and captain Martin Ødegaard will not return until after the international break.
“The team has coped exceptionally well,” Arteta commented, reflecting on the impact of numerous injuries on his squad, which remains unbeaten in all competitions after seven games. “They embraced the challenge, and I’m happy with their resilience.”
With the echoes of the City draw still resonating, Arteta will be keen to secure a straightforward victory against Steve Cooper’s Leicester side. Should Raya be unable to play, recent signing Neto is likely to start in goal.
Neto joined Arsenal from Bournemouth on deadline day following Aaron Ramsdale’s transfer to Southampton, but he was cup-tied for the midweek match. Which allowed 16-year-old Jack Porter to make history as Arsenal’s youngest-ever first-team player.
Arteta expressed confidence in Neto’s abilities, stating, “We had to react quickly following Aaron’s departure. He has been on our radar for a few years, and we believe he is the right player with Premier League experience who can step in at the right moment.”
Additionally, Arteta addressed the scrutiny surrounding Arsenal’s playing style following recent criticisms. When asked if he felt there was an agenda against the club, he replied, “No. I’ve also heard a lot of positive feedback. If we receive negative criticism for our position and the challenges we’ve faced in recent games, that speaks to the expectations surrounding us.”
As Arsenal prepares for their clash with Leicester, the focus will be on ensuring a solid performance and potentially continuing their unbeaten streak.
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