David Raya injury update – will he face Manchester City?

Arsenal deals & transfers January 2025

Arsenal face a major concern ahead of their showdown with Manchester City, as David Raya’s injury leaves uncertainty in goal.

With Neto struggling on his debut against Girona, Mikel Arteta may have to decide whether to risk the veteran keeper or turn to an alternative solution for the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium if Raya does not return in time.

David Raya’s injury has left Arsenal with serious concerns ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, after Mikel Arteta refused to disclose the extent of the problem that ruled the Spaniard out of the Champions League victory over Girona.

“He certainly could not play, he’s injured and that’s it,” Arteta told reporters, before adding evasively, “Let’s see how it goes” when asked what the problem is.

While Ethan Nwaneri’s spectacular long-range strike and Jorginho’s penalty helped Arsenal to victory, the match raised significant issues between the posts. With Raya unavailable, Neto was handed his debut, becoming Arsenal’s oldest debutant in 110 years.

The 35-year-old endured a nightmare outing, his reckless positioning allowing Arnaut Danjuma to score into an empty net, and he ended the game with a 5.8 FotMob rating—the lowest of any starting player on either side.

Raya’s absence could not come at a worse time, with Arsenal preparing to welcome Manchester City to the Emirates. City, despite a disastrous start to the season, have started to find form, winning against Chelsea and Club Brugge in their last two matches. Pep Guardiola’s side have lost just once in their previous nine outings, scoring 32 goals while conceding 10 in that period.

Arsenal’s performance in Girona was not without positives. Martin Ødegaard returned from illness, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz recovered from minor knocks to feature.

However, the club’s ongoing search for attacking reinforcements, highlighted by an approach for Ollie Watkins, is another indication that Arteta remains unconvinced by his options in key positions. Raheem Sterling‘s missed penalty only underlined his ongoing struggles in an Arsenal shirt.

While Arsenal remain in a strong position in the Premier League title race, their goalkeeping situation could define their next phase of the season. With uncertainty surrounding Raya’s availability and Neto’s struggles in Girona, Arteta faces a critical decision ahead of their next big domestic test.