Arsenal could be forced to play 16-year-old rookie goalkeeper Jack Porter after David Raya limped off in Sunday’s enthralling 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Raya was seen on the floor in discomfort towards the end of the match and required medical attention.
Mail Sport revealed Raya was hobbling afterwards with a bandage on his right knee. It’s understood that the knock is not serious, though the Spaniard is likely to be rested for the Gunners’ Carabao Cup third round match against Bolton this Wednesday. He is expected to be back for Arsenal’s league match against Leicester on Saturday.
Their No 2 keeper Neto, who signed on loan from Bournemouth over the summer, is cup-tied having started for the Cherries in their second-round defeat to West Ham before he completed his transfer to north London.
And then promising 18-year-old Tommy Setford, formerly of the Ajax youth team, has not been in the Arsenal squad since the international break because of fitness issues.
That leaves Porter next in line. He was on the bench midweek for Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Atalanta.
It leaves Mikel Arteta with an interesting dilemma. He is often reluctant to call upon youth, as seen by his cautious approach with starlet Ethan Nwaneri.
Porter only turned 16 in July, playing six games for the Arsenal Under 18s and just once for the Under 21s.
Porter only turned 16 in July, playing six games for the Arsenal U18s and just once for the U21s
He has played four times for the England Under 16s and been part of their Under 17s squad.
Upon signing scholarship terms in July, alongside a picture of academy manager Per Mertesacker he posted on Instagram: ‘Dream come true, delighted to sign for this amazing football club with such great history, would like to thank everyone who’s supported me throughout the years. Hard work carries on.’