Mikel Arteta reveals worrying new Arsenal injury ahead of Manchester City clash

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 having one eye on 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.

But 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,’ co-commentator Lucy Ward said on TNT Sports during the game.

Neto make 61 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth before joining Arsenal last summer on a season-long loan deal.

The Brazilian has Champions League experience from his days at Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia and Barcelona.

But he was making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in Wednesday’s clash with Girona having played back-up to Raya, one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe.

Arsenal’s much-changed team meant Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz all dropped to the bench.

Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino returned after missing Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolves while Jakub Kiwior was handed a rare start.

Speaking before Arsenal’s final Champions League group game, ex-England midfielder Owen Hargreaves tipped the Gunners to win the competition.

‘I think Arsenal have been really impressive,’ he said. ‘If they continue defensively as they are, I think they could win it.

‘If they could get someone up top, I think they could be a problem for any team.’

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