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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Mikel Arteta provides fresh David Raya injury update as Arsenal receive Jurrien Timber boost

Mikel Arteta has confirmed David Raya remains a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Leicester City on Saturday.

Raya missed the Gunners’ Carabao Cup third round win over Bolton at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night with a thigh injury.

The goalkeeper was left out of the squad entirely and, with backup Neto cup tied, 16-year-old Jack Porter became the youngest player ever to start a game for Arsenal.

Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend when they host Leicester, but Arteta says Raya is still a doubt.

"We have to wait another 24 hours,” the Arsenal boss said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “We have to wait 24 hours to see if it is looking good or not.

Asked whether Raya would not be risked with a Champions League clash to come against PSG in midweek, Arteta added: “It’s not about a risk, it’s about a player being fit and available or not.

“When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is the main thing we’re thinking about at the moment, we will make that decision tomorrow.”

If Raya is out then summer signing Neto could make his debut for Arsenal.

The goalkeeper joined the Gunners on loan from Bournemouth on transfer deadline day to provide cover for Raya.

Jurrien Timber trained on Friday and is expected to be in contention to feature against Leicester in a much-needed boost for Arsenal, while Ben White could also be available.

Arteta said: “Jurrien was able to take part in training today, that’s good news, so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben too.”

White was left out of the starting lineup against Manchester City due to a fitness issue, but came on for the second-half. He was not named in the squad against Bolton in midweek.

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