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Mikel Arteta has handed 16-year-old Jack Porter his senior debut for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup third-round clash against Bolton Wanderers. The two sides will face off at the Emirates on Wednesday, September 25.
Porter will step in due to the unavailability of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. He is sidelined for the game after being filmed limping following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners also confirmed that he missed out due to a thigh strain.
Backup goalkeepers Neto and Tommy Setford are also unavailable - Neto, on loan from Bournemouth, is cup-tied, while Setford is nursing a hip injury. Hence, Porter has been given the nod from Mikel Arteta. According to The Standard, Arsenal’s academy staff rate the young shot-stopper highly, particularly for his ability to play out from the back, a trait Arteta favors.
Porter only signed scholarship terms with Arsenal this summer. Although he cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next July, he has already impressed with the Under-18 and Under-21 squads. He has also represented England at youth level.
Porter will now have the chance to showcase his potential on a larger stage, with Arteta expressing confidence in the young goalkeeper’s readiness.
“They have to be ready. That’s why we train with four or five goalkeepers. Whoever plays will be prepared,” the Spanish gaffer said (via The Standard).
The teenager has been serving as the Gunners’ third-choice option in Setford’s absence, traveling with the squad to Atalanta and Manchester City, helping warm up Neto and Raya.
How long is Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya expected to be sidelined for?
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is not expected to be sidelined for long after suffering a minor injury during the club's 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
According to The Athletic, the injury is minor, and he is likely to return in time for their next Premier League match against Leicester City on September 28. The club's official X handle tweeted out before the Bolton clash:
"David Raya misses out with a thigh issue."
Since taking over the numero uno spot from Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya has become a key figure for Mikel Arteta’s side. His shot-stopping have made him a reliable presence between the posts. For Mikel Arteta and even the supporters, the information will come off as a huge relief. He won the Premier League Golden Glove last season with 16 clean sheets.
The Spaniard has already kept three clean sheets across competitions this season in the league, pulling off acrobatic saves at will. With the midfield more vulnerable in the absence of Martin Odegaard, the Gunners have conceded multiple opportunities. Hence, Raya has become instrumental in their defensive resilience.
