Arsenal’s focus is back on the Premier League after their 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to his side for the game on Wednesday night. Plenty of academy players got opportunities, while the likes of Jakub Kiwior, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus got rare starts as well.
The Gunners will name a much stronger lineup when Leicester City come to town on Saturday, but there is a chance one of Arteta’s key players could miss the game.
That could open the door for an Arsenal debut for one player.
Mikel Arteta’s David Raya injury admission opens the door for Neto’s Arsenal debut
David Raya is a strong contender to win the Arsenal Player of the Season award following his phenomenal start to the campaign.
The Spaniard is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his performances under Arteta since the turn of 2024 have been incredible.
Raya has been particularly excellent since the start of this season. He has already made three or four magnificent saves.
However, following Arsenal’s win over Bolton, Arteta confirmed that Raya has suffered a muscular injury, which makes him a doubt for the game against Leicester City on Saturday.
If he is ruled it, it would be a humongous blow for Arsenal, but that would open the door for Neto to make his Gunners debut.
The Brazilian was brought in on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth on transfer deadline day, and he is an experienced campaigner.
It will be interesting to see how he’ll fare if he gets the nod on Saturday.
READ MORE: What Arsenal believe has happened to David Raya’s transfer value after they signed him
Neto’s record in the Premier League in the last two seasons
Raya was absolutely brilliant for Arsenal in the 2023/24 season and his performances for Brentford in the previous campaign were very, very good too.
The Gunners will really miss Raya’s calmness, ability on the ball and shot-stopping if he is unavailable for the game against Leicester.
Neto is an ‘unbelievable‘ goalkeeper on his day, but if you look at his record in the last two Premier League seasons, it will not fill you with much confidence.
In 32 Premier League games in the 2023/24 season, Neto conceded 55 goals. In the season prior to the last one, he played 27 games and let in 39 goals.
The important thing to consider here is that Arsenal’s defence is significantly stronger than Bournemouth’s has been over the last two years.
Hopefully, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will give Neto the protection he needs if he plays against the Foxes.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
