Arsenal down to bare bones! Mikel Arteta issues David Raya, Ben White, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber injury updates ahead of Leicester clash

Arsenal could be without starting goalkeeper David Raya for the visit of Leicester on Saturday after the Spaniard picked up a muscle injury in last week’s draw against Manchester City. Ben White and Jurrien Timber joined Raya on the sidelines for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Bolton in midweek but the duo could return against the Foxes. However, Mikel Merino is still short of match fitness despite taking part in light training this week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal are already without captain Martin Odegaard after he picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway. The playmaker is expected to miss the next month of action. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also likely to be sidelined for a similar period, while Kieran Tierney remains a long-term absentee.

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    WHAT ARTETA SAID

    Regarding Merino’s injury, Arteta said: “Tomorrow is too soon. Next week we’ll see. He had partial training today. It’s about the healing of the bone and seeing when he’s ready for contact.”

    On Raya, Arteta added: “We have to wait another 24 hours. We have to wait 24 hours to see if it’s looking good or not that good. It’s about a player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester we will make that decision tomorrow.

    “Jurrien was able to take part in training today so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben too.”
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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA AND ARSENAL?

    Although Arsenal may have some players back this weekend, Merino in particular is unlikely to be fit for the Leicester game or the home tie against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week. A more realistic return for the summer signing could be the Premier League game next weekend against Southampton.