Mikel Arteta reveals David Raya fitness worry ahead of huge Arsenal clash vs Man City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya is "not fit" ahead of the Gunners' final Champions League league stage clash against Girona.

The Spanish star was not expected to start the clash, with Neto instead anticipated to make his Gunners debut as Arteta was given a rare chance to rotate his first-choice keeper.

However, the absence of the 29-year-old from the squad entirely raised questions, especially as he had travelled to Spain with the team, and was pictured at the ground ahead of the game.

Arteta confirmed ahead of the game that Raya was "not fit" to play a part in the game, raising worries for the Gunners ahead of their huge Premier League clash against Manchester City at the weekend.

While the current extent of his fitness issue is unclear, it comes at a difficult time for the Gunners in terms of defensive problems.

Ben White has been out of action since November at right-back, with Jurrien Timber filling in but also suffering some of his own issues, with Thomas Partey regularly starting in defence instead.

On the opposite flank, injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney this season have opened a pathway for Myles Lewis-Skelly to make an impact on the first team, albeit not in his preferred position in midfield. And in the centre, William Saliba has missed a few games recently, with Jakub Kiwior making an occasional appearance.

While there would arguably never be an ideal time for the Gunners to have their first-choice keeper absent, it may be the best chance to give Neto his Arsenal debut if he is indeed required to start against Pep Guardiola's team at the weekend.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
TNT Sports
Watch the Champions League on TNT Sports

The UEFA Champions League has entered the final round of the group phase and all 18 matches will be shown live on TNT Sports.

TNT Sports costs £30.99 on a rolling monthly basis via Discovery+ Premium and also includes the Europa League and Conference League.

£30.99

TNT Sports/Discovery+
Get TNT Sports here