Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains decision to start Kepa in goal for Carabao Cup final

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·22 Maret 2026

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains decision to start Kepa in goal for Carabao Cup final

Kepa given nod over David Raya for Wembley showdown with Manchester City

Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

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The Gunners take on Manchester City at Wembley as they attempt to end their six-year trophy drought and take the first step towards a potential quadruple.

Kepa started every round of the Carabao Cup to help get Arsenal to the final.

Arteta had the option to bring in first-choice David Raya for the big occasion, but he has opted to keep faith with Kepa and he backed him to repay that faith.

“He fully deserves it,” said Arteta. “He's been phenomenal when he's played. He's played the whole competition and we fully trust him.”

Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury blow after Eberechi Eze was ruled out of the Carabao Cup final with an injury he sustained in the Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners are also without Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard at Wembley.

Arteta said: “We tried everything [to get him fit for the game], but unfortunately he, Martin, Jurrien and Mikel are out.”

Pep Guardiola, as he confirmed he would do at his press conference on Friday, has started James Trafford in goal.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has had an impressive first season in England and played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain beating Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, but it is back-up Trafford who gets the nod.