Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter, 16, starts in the Carabao Cup: Who is the replacement for the injured David Raya?

16-year-old Arsenal academy goalkeeper Jack Porter will face Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal are taking precautions regarding the fitness of their first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, who left the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with signs of injury.

Experienced deputy Neto is suspended after his previous appearance for Bournemouth in the cup and with 18-year-old new 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 been training with the first team on and off since the 2022/23 season. He has been attending training more regularly in recent weeks and has made a positive impression with his handling, ball-playing skills and confident personality.

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This summer, Porter officially signed the terms of his scholarship. He has continued his development in Arsenal's U18 team, working closely with the Academy's Head of Goalkeeping, Mark Mason, to prepare him for this type of opportunity. His performances have earned him recognition at international level in the England U17 team.

Porter has already had the opportunity to get used to the first team. When Arsenal faced Atalanta in the Champions League, Porter was on the bench. His selection against Bolton is a clear vote of confidence in his potential.

If Porter plays against Bolton, he will become Arsenal's second-youngest debutant behind Ethan Nwaneri – who played in a Premier League match against Brentford in September 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days – and the youngest goalkeeper since Malcolm Webster, who made his debut in 1969 at the age of 18 years and 308 days.

Porter is 16 years and 72 days old and his nomination would push Cesc Febregas (16 years and 177 days) back to third place on the list of youngest players Arsenal have ever had.

Raya's injury is believed to be minor and he is expected to face Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend.

Arsenal's squad for the game against Bolton is expected to be a mix of young and experienced players, with experienced first-team players such as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling joining young talents such as Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Arsenal eleven.

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(Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)