Arsenal set to exploit Carabao Cup loophole vs Brentford to boost Mikel Arteta's options

Arsenal are set to exploit a Carabao Cup loophole for their clash with Brentford on Wednesday.

After an exciting 2-2 draw with North London rivals Spurs on Sunday, the Gunners welcome Thomas Frank's side to the Emirates in the fourth round tie.

With a growing injury list, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to ring some changes for the game but there is plenty of curiosity surrounding the situation involving David Raya.

The Spaniard is on loan from upcoming opponents Brentford, who have received a £3 million fee from Arsenal for the season.

They have the option to buy him outright for £27 million once the 2023/24 campaign is concluded.

As is relatively common knowledge, Premier League rules stipulate that players cannot play against their parent club.

But in other competitions it is not always the case - evidenced in the fact that Joao Cancelo played for Bayern Munich against Manchester City in the Champions League last term.

In terms of the EFL and the Carabao Cup, the ruling is that is down to the clubs and is done on a case-by-base basis.

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According to talkSPORT, Brentford needed to give their approval for Raya to play but were happy do so and it was agreed before the cup draw that the ex Blackburn shotstopper would be eligible.

The same stance has been consented in the event that the two sides meet in the FA Cup later in the season.

Raya's deal is a loan but only to help Arsenal with complying with Financial Fair Play regulations and is being treated as a permanent deal.

Image: Getty

Raya has started Arsenal's last three games, including the North London derby. Aaron Ramsdale has been displaced after starting 52 consecutive games in the Premier League but was spotted applauding his teammate for a save he made on Sunday.