Arsenal fans were left biting their nails as goalkeeper David Raya was spotted limping with a bandaged knee after the thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
The Spaniard, who has been in sensational form this season, delivered another stunning performance, but his injury has raised concerns ahead of the Gunners’ upcoming fixtures.
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Raya to the rescue, but at what cost? — Injury update
In a game packed with drama, Raya stood tall. The Arsenal goalkeeper made a jaw-dropping nine saves, eight of them in a frantic second half after the team was reduced to ten men.
His heroics earned him the official "Man of the Match" award, but by the end, all eyes were on his heavily strapped right knee as he limped off the pitch.
For Arsenal, it's not just about losing a player. It’s about losing the player who has been the brick wall in goal, game after game.
Mikel Arteta may have hoped for a smooth ride into the Carabao Cup clash with League One side Bolton on Wednesday, but with Raya's injury, the waters look choppier. If Raya is rested, Arsenal may have to rely on youth players like Tommy Setford or 16-year-old Jack Porter to stand between the sticks.
Arsenal handed injury scare as David Raya filmed limping out of Etihad Stadium after Man City clashhttps://t.co/iL8aZ0QDkY
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) September 22, 2024
Arsenal’s fans are no strangers to injury woes, but losing a keeper in this form? That’s enough to send shivers down the spine of any Gooner. But it looks like he will be back after a one match rest.
Injury pile-up adds pressure on Arteta
With seven players nursing injuries, including Bukayo Saka (nothing major) and Martin Odegaard (Ankle), Arteta faces the challenge of navigating the next few matches without key names. Thus, Saka might be back again in the next match as his substitution was just for precautionary reasons.
"He will run through a brick wall for you," Arteta said about Ben White, who also played through injury against City. But with fixtures coming thick and fast, Arsenal might need more than just bravery—they need a full squad.
The upcoming clash against Bolton may not have the same intensity as a Premier League battle, but Arsenal's walking wounded will make it a tricky one.
