Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Carabao Cup, Fan Reactions
Chris Byfield
Arsenal fans are concerned after hearing that three first team players are set to miss their Carabao Cup encounter with Bolton.
On Wednesday, the Gunners take on League One Bolton at the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
While Bolton sit 18th in the third tier with seven points from their opening six matches, they will feel emboldened by the team news emerging from the Arsenal camp ahead of the game.
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According to AFCNewsroom founder Connor Humm, neither Ben White or Jurrien Timber were spotted with the Arsenal squad at the team hotel ahead of the Bolton encounter.
Moreover, David Raya is allegedly set to be absent from the squad, with 16-year-old shot-stopper Jack Porter potentially in line for a debut appearance.
Raya was filmed limping leaving the Etihad on Sunday after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City and may not be fit for the midweek third-round clash.
And with Arsenal No.2 Neto cup tied and third keeper Tommy Setford out with a hip injury, Porter may be in line to start.
Arsenal have several other teenage goalkeepers they can call upon if needed, including Alexei Rojas, Brian Okonkwo and Lucas Nygaard.
Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta said: “We have to wait and see what the situation is going to be. But that’s why we train with four, sometimes five goalkeepers - we want them all around.
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“They have to be prepared and these things happen. Whoever plays, for sure he will be prepared.”
Porter, who only turned 16 in July, has trained intermittently with the first team since 2022-23.
However in recent weeks he has been a more regular presence in training and, as per the Athletic, made a positive impression with his handling, ball-playing ability, and confident personality.
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Moreover, as per the publication Raya’s injury is minor, and he is expected to be in contention to face Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend.
Amid Arsenal’s injury woes one person on social media said: “Signing a back up GK which cannot give your 1st GK a rest in the domestic cup is questionable to say the least.”
A second added: “I don't mind that we signed Neto and didn't spend 30m on a back up cause it's very unfortunate that Raya and Setford are out but its still kind of funny that we signed a keeper who's cup tied^^”
A third said: “Way back in one of Arsenal's craziest matches ever, Arsenal handed a debut to a teen who proceeded to let in 4 goals, forcing Walcott & Chamakh to do the unbelievable & inspire the team to score 7 goals.
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“The game ended 7-4. That kid was Emiliano Martinez. He now hates us!”