Mikel Arteta confirms David Raya's injury absence for Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Girona. Neto makes his debut for the Gunners as Arsenal makes several changes for the final group stage match.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that goalkeeper David Raya missed the club's final Champions League group stage match against Girona due to an injury. Arteta made seven substitutions for Wednesday's encounter, with 35-year-old goalkeeper Neto making his first appearance for the Gunners.
Initially, Raya's absence was assumed to be a precautionary measure, given Arsenal's secure position in the Champions League knockout stages and the upcoming Premier League clash against champions Manchester City this weekend.Neto, on loan from Bournemouth, became Arsenal's oldest debutant in over a century. Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports before the match, stated, 'Yeah, he's not fit. Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance then it's Neto.' Post-match, Arteta further confirmed, 'He certainly could not play, he is injured and that is it.' Commentator Lucy Ward on TNT Sports noted Arteta's statement about Raya's fitness as a 'worry' for Arsenal ahead of their crucial match against Manchester City. Neto, who has featured in 61 Premier League matches for Bournemouth, boasts Champions League experience from his time at Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia, and Barcelona. However, he was primarily a backup to Raya this season. Arsenal's rotated squad saw players like Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz start on the bench. Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino returned after missing Saturday's 1-0 victory over Wolves, while Jakub Kiwior was handed a rare starting opportunity. Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, speaking before the match, predicted Arsenal's success in the Champions League. He stated, 'I think Arsenal have been really impressive. If they continue defensively as they are, I think they could win it. If they could get someone up top, I think they could be a problem for any team.
ARSENAL DAVID RAYA INJURY NETO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MIKEL ARTETA MANCHESTER CITY
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