David Raya: We Have “Top Defenders” To Replace Saliba

By The Editor
on 23rd October 2024

David Raya accepts Saliba will be a big miss…

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has belief in the team’s defensive department to cover for William Saliba as he serves his one match suspension against Liverpool this weekend, he told Prime Video.

The Frenchman was sent off against Bournemouth for a ‘professional foul’ which carries a one-match ban and with the club deciding against appealing the punishment for fear of further retribution, Saliba will be in the stands on Sunday.

The 23-year-old didn’t miss a single minute of Premier League action last season with Mikel Arteta able to rely upon a stable back-four.

Now, heading into what feels like a pivotal weekend in our season, the team will have to do without our stellar defender – though that doesn’t worry Raya.

The Spaniard is confident with any defensive rearguard Arteta decides to field considering the options to choose from.

“We know Saliba is going to be a big miss, but we have top players and top defenders that they’re going to come to the game and do well,” Raya admitted.

“We have top players that I can play in that position that they’re going to be ready for the game, and that’s the most important thing. Now we have to think about recovery tomorrow, some players are training and everything, and just be ready for Sunday.

“We just think about the three points. That’s the main thing,” he added.

Arsenal fans have often questioned Arteta’s extensive investment in the defensive department and that will now be tested given the issues we’re experiencing there.

Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu will definitely miss the game on Sunday, while Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are injury doubts.

The latter duo are over £80 million worth of investments and started the season remarkably, though their fitness is now starting to become an issue.