Arsenal’s 16-year-old academy goalkeeper Jack Porter is set to start their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers.
Arsenal are taking precautions over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, who left the Etihad Stadium on Sunday showing some signs of a knock.
Experienced deputy Neto is cup-tied after playing for Bournemouth earlier in the competition and with 18-year-old summer signing Tommy Setford injured, Mikel Arteta has turned to Porter for tonight’s game at the Emirates Stadium.
Porter, who only turned 16 in July, has trained intermittently with the first team since the 2022-23 season. He has been a more regular presence in training over the last few weeks, and has made a positive impression with his handling, ball-playing ability, and confident personality.
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This summer, Porter signed his official scholarship terms. He has continued his development with Arsenal’s under-18 team, working closely with head of academy goalkeeping Mark Mason to prepare him for this kind of opportunity. His performances have earned him recognition at international level with the England Under-17s.
Porter has already had some opportunity to acclimatise to the first-team environment. When Arsenal travelled to face Atalanta in the Champions League, Porter was named on the substitutes bench. His selection against Bolton is a significant show of faith in his potential.
Raya’s injury is believed to be minor, and he is expected to be in contention to face Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend.
Arsenal’s team for the Bolton game is otherwise expected to be a mix of youth and experience. Experienced first-team members including Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling are set to join academy prospects like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Arsenal XI.
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