Mikel Arteta will hand shock start to teenage Arsenal wonderkid in Carabao Cup clash vs Bolton

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Arsenal are facing several injury problems ahead of their EFL Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers, and the Academy will now be used.

Mikel Arteta hinted at a potentially serious injury after Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City, in which Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were all carrying knocks.

Goalkeeper David Raya was also spotted limping after the game, and this is a potentially huge cause for concern. Summer signing Neto is cup-tied in the Carabao Cup, meaning that a third-choice option will need to step in.

Aaron Ramsdale departed in the summer, and Arsenal could not sign a third-choice backup after targeting the experienced Daniel Bentley.

However, with summer academy arrival Tommy Setford injured, fourth-choice goalkeeper Jack Porter is now set to start against Bolton, and this is significant given his age.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter, including age, height and stats

Teenage goalkeeper Jack Porter to start for Arsenal vs Bolton

The Athletic have now reported that Porter, 16, will start in Arsenal’s third round tie with Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.

Porter was named on the bench for Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Atalanta, setting a new UEFA record as the youngest goalkeeper to be included in a matchday squad, and the Englishman is now set to break further ground.

The goalkeeper has trained with Raya and the first team on several occasions, and he will now be handed a huge opportunity in the starting XI.

Jack Porter’s Arsenal experience so far

Porter has made seven appearances for the Arsenal under-18 and under-21 sides, and is extremely raw in terms of experience, but he has appeared for the England under-17s.

However, he is highly rated within the club, with The Athletic adding that he made a “positive impression with his handling, ball-playing ability, and confident personality.”

His inclusion against Bolton is a huge show of faith, but whilst Arsenal will be confident of beating the League One side even with rotation, the defence will have to ensure that Porter has an easier transition into senior football as he is thrust straight into action.