
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya missed the club’s final Champions League group game through injury.
Arteta made seven changes for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Girona, with 35-year-old goalkeeper Neto making his Gunners debut between the posts.
It was assumed that Raya was simply rested with Arsenal already on the verge of the Champions League knockout stages and Arteta’s side facing a huge clash with Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend.
The Gunners welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as they look to make up ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Asked about Raya’s absence at Girona, Arteta told TNT Sports: ‘Yeah, he’s not fit. Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance then it’s Neto.’
Neto, on loan from Bournemouth, became Arsenal’s oldest debutant in more than 100 years when he started against La Liga side Girona.
‘What Arteta said about Raya not being fit, that is certainly a worry for Arsenal ahead of that huge game against Man City,’ Lucy Ward said on TNT Sports’ commentary of the game.
More to follow…