Mikel Arteta reveals huge Arsenal injury scare ahead of crunch Man City clash
Mikel Arteta reveals huge Arsenal injury scare ahead of crunch Man City clash
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David Raya missed Arsenal's Champions League win over Girona - and it remains to be seen if he will feature in Sunday's huge Premier League clash with Manchester City. Eyebrows were raised when Neto was named in goal for Arsenal, who travelled to Spain on a mission to confirm their progression into the Round of 16, which they did courtesy of a 2-1 win.
And Mikel Arteta confirmed prior to kick-off on TNT Sports that Raya's absence was fitness related. "Yeah, he’s not fit," the Spaniard confirmed. "Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance then it’s Neto.". After the game, he added: “He (Raya) certainly could not play, he is injured and that is it.” Raya has grown into a huge figure in the Arsenal goal since joining from Brentford last summer. And the absence of their No.1 goalkeeper would be a significant blow for Arsenal considering the importance of the match.
Unfortunately for Neto, he was caught in no man's land when Girona opened the scoring towards the end of the first half. Former Bournemouth midfielder Arnaut Danjuma teased the ball past the keeper from range with the Brazilian well outside his area. Quickfire goals from Jorginho - who cooly converted a penalty - and the impressive Ethan Nwaneri spared Neto's blushes, though, as Arsenal cantered into the Round of 16.
With their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League secured, Arteta and co can now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they are bidding to claw back a six-point deficit on Liverpool, who have also played a game less than the Gunners.
