With David Raya reportedly injured, a domino theory seems to have fell into place at the Arsenal FC goalkeeper position. It means, given all the fallen dominos, the Gunners will or could go with their fourth choice shot-stopper versus Bolton Wanderers FC tomorrow night. According to a report in The Mail, Raya, who was seen limping and wearing a bandage on his knee after the draw with Manchester City on Sunday, will be rested in midweek.
His knee injury is reportedly not serious though, and he should be fine for next weekend against Manchester City.
Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers FC FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. Sept. 25, Emirates Stadium, London, UK, 7:45pm
Competition: EFL Cup 3rd Round
Arsenal Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Gunners Team News
Beneath Raya on the company’s org chart is Neto, but he’s already cup-tied to AFC Bournemouth, having featured for them in this competition. He’s ineligible, which brings us to the third choiuce, Tommy Setford. The summer transfer window arrival injured, which means Jack Porter, who only turned 16 just two months ago, will get he call.
Porter has never previously played for the senior team, and he’s only featured once for the U21s. However, he has played six times for the U18s and he was named to the bench for the UCL last week. Elsewhere Martin Odegaard (ankle injury that he sustained during the last international break), Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kiernan Tierney all remain out as long-term injury absentees.
Finally, the ’90s power ballad “I Saw Red,” by glam metal/hair band Warrant certainly applies to Leandro Trossard right now.
His booking on Sunday renders him suspended for this one.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter.