Mikel Arteta hints 16-year-old could replace David Raya amid Arsenal 'serious injury'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted that one of his players has suffered a significant injury against Manchester City - though did not disclose who.
There is a chance that it could be David Raya, who went down towards the end of the Premier League clash on Sunday in an entertaining match that ended 2-2.
The Spaniard has been in top form for the Gunners this season, even pulling off a remarkable double-save from a penalty in the Champions League.
But the goalkeeper could miss Arsenal's Carabao Cup match against Bolton on Wednesday.
David Raya could be facing a lengthy injury
Reuters
When asked if anyone was unavailable for the cup clash, Arteta admitted: "Unfortunately, yes, there will be a few players not available. Tomorrow you will find out."
The Arsenal coach was pushed on who, he said: "We have to wait. One of them."
Four players went down injured against City on Sunday - Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Martinelli - with all of them needing physio treatment.
When specifically pressed on whether Raya was the absentee, Arteta was coy and replied: "Let’s see how they are today. We’ll try to make a call on that if we believe that’s a possibility."
If Raya is absent through injury, it will give the Spanish coach a headache between the sticks with his back-up option Neto cup-tied after already playing for Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup this season.
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Third option Tommy Setford, who joined from Ajax over the summer, has been struggling with injury which could force Arteta to turn to 16-year-old Jack Porter.
The teenager has never played for the senior side but he was on the bench against Atalanta in the Champions League alongside Neto.
Brian Okonkwo and Lucas Nygaard could also be options if Arteta calls deep into his reserves.
Mikel Arteta has been coy over his injury news at Arsenal
PA
The Arsenal coach was also defensive when asked if his players were up to the 'dark arts' against City with several players going down with cramp and other injuries.
"I always prefer the facts to words than supposing things," he said.
"Let’s see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts."
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David Raya has been pivotal to Arsenal this season
PA
Arsenal were seconds away from a famous victory at the Etihad on Sunday after John Stones scored in the 98th minute to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw.
Leandro Trossard had been sent off just before half-time with the Gunners 2-1 up with City dominating after the break before their last-gasp equaliser.