ARSENAL are set to play a 16-year-old in goal in their Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.
First choice David Raya is sidelined with injury and second-choice Neto is cup-tied.
So academy goalkeeper Jack Porter is set to make his debut for the Gunners aged just 16.
The youngster has just featured in one matchday squad for the first-team – sitting on the bench for the Champions League visit to Atalanta.
He only turned 16 in July and has made just six appearances for Arsenal Under-18s, and played once for the Under-21s.
But Porter will not be the youngest player to feature for the Gunners – Ethan Nwaneri holds that honour after making his debut at 15-years-old against Brentford two years ago.
Porter has had a touch of fortune given the injuries to Raya and third-choice goalie Tommy Setford, who arrived at Arsenal this summer.
Raya went down injured against Manchester City on Sunday and was seen limping with a bandage around his knee after the match.
His problem is believed to be minor however and he should be fit to face Leicester at the weekend.
Setford also has a fitness issue and has not been named in the squad since the international break.
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Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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While second-choice keeper Neto is cup-tied and cannot play in the competition having started for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat to West Ham before he completed his transfer to North London.
That hands a chance to Porter, who has reportedly trained intermittently with the Arsenal squad since the 2022-23 season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
