Arsenal star could miss Man City clash as Mikel Arteta issues worrying injury update
Arsenal star could miss Man City clash as Mikel Arteta issues worrying injury update
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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya could face a race against time for Sunday's Premier League visit of Manchester City. Spain international Raya missed the Gunners' Champions League victory over Girona on Wednesday with an unspecified injury issue, with Arteta refusing to go into details after the match and simply stating "he certainly could not play.". The Gunners boss heaped further doubt on Raya's potential selection against City at his press conference on Friday, saying: "David we’re still uncertain. We have another session tomorrow. We have 48 hours so we will have to see.".
Arteta - who added that Ben White is still not ready to return from his knee problem - would be likely to turn to back-up goalkeeper Neto for the City clash should Raya not be fit enough, but the on-loan Brazilian made an error for Arnaut Danjuma to give Girona the lead in midweek. The Gunners boss has sought to play down Arsenal's rivalry with City, who they finished just behind in the past two seasons as Pep Guardiola's champions racked up their third and fourth successive league titles.
Both sides played out a fiery match in September when Gunners forward Leandro Trossard was sent off and City's John Stones scored in the dying seconds to salvage a 2-2 draw, with Erling Haaland bouncing the ball off Gabriel's head in celebration. "It (the rivalry) is normal," said Arteta, who worked at City as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager prior to becoming Gunners boss. "It is two teams trying to win.".
City have experienced an alarming drop-off this season, but despite being six points ahead of Guardiola's side the Gunners are also six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who will seek to stretch their lead to nine at Bournemouth on Saturday. Whatever happens there though, Arteta - who refused to be drawn on a move for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins - is confident that a win over City could be massive for Arsenal in the title race.
"It would be a big boost for us," he said. "Winning big matches is always something special. Every time we play a big match against our rivals, it brings something extra.". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
