Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper David Raya missed the club’s final Champions League group-stage match due to injury.
The Gunners made seven changes for Wednesday’s clash against Girona, with veteran goalkeeper Neto stepping in to make his debut for the North London club.
The 35-year-old, on loan from Bournemouth, became Arsenal’s oldest debutant in over a century.
David Raya Injury Update Ahead of Man City Clash
Initially, it was assumed that Raya had been rested, given Arsenal had already secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stages. However, Arteta clarified the situation in a post-match interview.
“Yeah, he’s not fit,” Arteta revealed. “Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance, then it’s Neto.”
When pressed further, the Arsenal boss added: “He certainly could not play—he is injured, and that is it.”
Raya’s injury will be a concern for Arsenal fans ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown against reigning champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.
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The Gunners are aiming to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool and strengthen their title challenge.
Neto Steps Up for Arsenal in Champions League
Neto, who has extensive experience in Europe’s elite competition with Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia, and Barcelona, was making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season. Before joining Arsenal on a season-long loan, he made 61 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth.
TNT Sports co-commentator Lucy Ward acknowledged the potential impact of Raya’s absence on Arsenal’s upcoming fixture:
“What Arteta said about Raya not being fit—that is certainly a worry for Arsenal ahead of that huge game against Man City,” Ward said during the broadcast.
Arsenal’s Squad Rotation and Champions League Ambitions
With qualification already secured, Arteta opted for a much-rotated starting XI against Girona. Key players such as Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz were named on the bench.
Meanwhile, club captain Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino returned to action after missing Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolves. Jakub Kiwior was also handed a rare start.
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes Arsenal have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League.
“I think Arsenal have been really impressive,” Hargreaves said. “If they continue defensively as they are, I think they could win it. If they could get someone up top, they could be a problem for any team.”
With Arsenal’s focus now shifting to the high-stakes encounter against Manchester City, fans will be eager to receive further updates on Raya’s fitness.
His potential absence could prove pivotal in a match that may have major implications for the Premier League title race.
