Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of his side’s clash with Leicester (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted he will be forced to make a late decision over David Raya’s fitness ahead of his side’s showdown with Leicester on Saturday. The goalkeeper sustained a muscle injury against last weekend.
Raya has impressed between the posts since usurping Aaron Ramsdale as ’s No. 1 in the early part of last season.
He managed to make it through the 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, but missed the Gunners’ 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton on Wednesday.
“We have to wait another 24 hours,” Arteta explained in his pre-match press conference. “We have to wait 24 hours to see if it’s looking good or not that good.
“It’s about a player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester we will make that decision tomorrow.”
The Spaniard also gave updates on Jurrien Timber and Ben White, with the duo also absent in midweek as he explained: “Jurrien was able to take part in training today so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben too.”
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Arteta has been unable to hand a debut to summer signing Mikel Merino, who fractured his shoulder during his very first training session at the club after team-mate Gabriel fell on him.
And discussing the midfielder’s progress, the Gunners boss stated: “Tomorrow is too soon. Next week we’ll see.
“He had partial training today. It’s about the healing of the bone and seeing when he’s ready for contact. Trying to keep him in the cage. I think we are comfortable now to expose him with contact.”
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