David Raya injury: Arsenal handed major new fitness concern before Man City showdown

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·29. Januar 2025

David Raya injury: Arsenal handed major new fitness concern before Man City showdown

Gunners goalkeeper travelled to Girona but is “not fit” to play, according to Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have been handed a key injury scare ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City after David Raya missed Wednesday’s clash against Girona.

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Raya was left out of the squad completely for the final Champions League league phase game in Spain, with Mikel Arteta confirming to broadcasters ahead of the match at the Estadi Montilivi that his first-choice goalkeeper is “not fit”.

In the Spaniard’s absence, the Gunners turned to 35-year-old Neto and the Brazilian was handed his debut for the club after joining on loan from Bournemouth last summer.

Raya’s absence is a worry for Arsenal given that they have a huge Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus already out.

Arteta’s side are also due to face Newcastle next Wednesday night at St James’ Park in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, which they trail 2-0.

Raya trained on Tuesday morning at London Colney as usual and was part of Arsenal’s travelling squad that flew out to Girona later that day.

The goalkeeper was not in the matchday squad, though, with Neto starting and teenagers Jack Porter and Tommy Setford both on the bench.