Arsenal named 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
First-choice goalkeeper David Raya left Etihad Stadium with a bandage around his right knee after picking up an injury in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City and is not being risked.
With Neto — a summer loan signing from Bournemouth — cup-tied and 18-year-old understudy Tommy Setford also injured, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on Porter, who only turned 16 in July.
Porter has trained with the first team on a few occasions previously and was named among the substitutes for last week’s Champions League trip to Atalanta which ended 0-0.
He only signed scholarship terms with the Gunners in the summer and cannot agree a professional contract until next year when he turns 17.
As ESPN reported on deadline day, Arsenal attempted to sign two goalkeepers late in the window, having allowed Aaron Ramsdale to join Southampton in a permanent deal and Karl Hein to move to Real Valladolid on loan.
After securing Neto’s arrival, they explored a deal for Joan García at Espanyol while also making an approach for Wolves‘ Dan Bentley but were unable to secure an agreement.
Arteta has rotated his side for the game against Bolton with youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly among those set to be included, while Raheem Sterling makes his first start after arriving on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
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