Mikel Arteta gives worrying answer when asked about David Raya’s injury ahead of Arsenal vs Leicester

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Arsenal finally solved their goalkeeping issues, with David Raya performing superbly at the start of the season, but he may have been dealt a blow.

Raya missed Arsenal’s Carabao Cup victory over Bolton, with 16-year-old Jack Porter making a shock debut with summer signing Neto cup-tied.

Neto joined to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who left for Southampton on transfer deadline day, with some now believing that Ramsdale’s departure has helped Raya thrive.

Raya was truly outstanding in every game he has played this season, and pulled off an incredible double-save to help Arsenal draw 0-0 at Atalanta.

However, Raya picked up an injury against Manchester City, and Mikel Arteta has indicated that he may not be fit to return yet.

• READ MORE: The top five most injured Arsenal players in 2023/24

Mikel Arteta gives David Raya injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Leicester

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked whether Raya is a doubt to face Leicester at the Emirates Stadium, and he issued a concerning update.

“Yes,” Arteta directly responded after he was asked if Raya is a doubt.

“We have to wait 24 hours to see if he’s looking good or not that good.”

If Raya is absent, Neto looks set to make his debut after joining from Bournemouth, and Arteta has underlined his faith in the Brazilian.

Mikel Arteta praises Neto ahead of potential Arsenal debut

Neto has plenty of experience with Juventus, Barcelona and Valencia among others, and he started regularly for Bournemouth last season, with Arteta has highlighted this as a key reason why he was brought in.

“We had to react very quickly with the departure of Aaron, and we had him on our list for a few years already,” Arteta added.

“He’s played in various countries at the highest level in different roles and has always fulfilled it in the right way.

“I believe he was the right player [to bring in] because he was in the Premier League, he had the experience, and he’s someone we can throw in at any moment.”

Raya’s injury comes at a frustrating time given his injury, but Arsenal will hope that Neto can prove to be a valuable backup, and that the Spaniard will not be absent for too long.