Early team news on 2 Arsenal stars for Leicester City clash | OneFootball

David Raya was still a serious doubt to face Leicester City on Friday night, but Ben White should be available for Saturday’s fixture.

BERGAMO, ITALY: David Raya of Arsenal FC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has been vague on the chances of David Raya featuring for Arsenal against Leicester City on Saturday, but perhaps with good reason.

Despite claims that Raya was faking his injuries against Manchester City, the goalkeeper was forced to miss Wednesday’s match against Bolton Wanderers, with Arsenal having to turn to 16-year-old Jack Porter instead.

Even on Friday night, football insider Team News and Ticks reported on Patreon that Raya was more likely to miss out on Saturday’s game than play. Though he added that a final decision hasn’t been made yet.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates at full-time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

In better news, Ben White was spotted with the Arsenal squad ahead of the Leicester game, suggesting that he might have recovered in time for the match.

Arteta said in his press conference that White would “hopefully” be available, but again, he wouldn’t fully commit.

Even White’s presence with the squad ahead of the match doesn’t guarantee he’ll be involved in it.

Arsenal have previously taken players to matches without any intention to include them, such as when they included Bukayo Saka on the pre-match walk to the stadium for last season’s fixture at home to Manchester City.

But it does make White’s inclusion more likely than if he hadn’t been there.

Neto after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

If Raya is unavailable, that doesn’t mean Porter will be forced to make his first Premier League start. Arsenal have loan signing Neto to call upon, if necessary.

Neto was unavailable on Wednesday because he’s cup-tied in the League Cup, but there’s no such restriction in the Premier League.