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Arteta Casts Doubt on David Raya’s Availability for Man City Clash

By on January 31, 2025

David Raya

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya remains a major doubt for the upcoming Premier League showdown against Manchester City.

The Spaniard missed Arsenal’s final Champions League group-stage fixture against Girona due to a muscle injury, sparking concern among the club’s supporters that their no.1 will miss Sunday’s huge showdown with City.

Speaking in his pre-match conference, Arteta confirmed that Raya’s availability for the City game remains uncertain. He also ruled out defender Ben White from featuring in the highly anticipated fixture.

Arteta on Raya’s and Ben White Fitness

Providing an update on Raya’s condition, Arteta admitted there is still some uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s fitness. However, he noted that there is another training session before the match, giving them a final chance to assess his situation. The Arsenal boss further revealed that Raya’s injury is muscular, he also revealed Ben White is still out due to an ongoing knee injury.

‘We are still a bit uncertain [on Raya]. We have another session tomorrow and another 48 hours, so we have to wait and see. Ben is definitely out, hasn’t trained with us yet so is not going to be available. No other news from the game against Girona.’

Arteta on Transfers

Addressing questions about Arsenal’s transfer activity, Arteta expressed confidence in the club’s ongoing efforts. He assured that the club is exploring every possible opportunity to strengthen the squad.

‘I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team. That’s certainly the case and if we can agree something we will. If not, we won’t.’

When asked if Arsenal are likely to make any signings before the window closes, Arteta remained cautious but reaffirmed the club’s commitment to securing reinforcements that could positively impact the team.

‘We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. I don’t know, it doesn’t depend only on us, so our intention is clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.’

Arsenal currently occupy second place in the Premier League with 47 points. A victory against Manchester City would not only tighten the title race by increasing pressure on league leaders Liverpool but also create a significant gap between themselves and City. A win would see the Gunners move nine points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.