Arsenal are set to start 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night - with David Raya struggling with a knee injury.
Mikel Arteta is facing a headache for the visit of the League One outfit as second-choice keeper Neto is cup tied after the Brazilian featured in the previous round of the tournament with Bournemouth before sealing a loan to Arsenal.
With 18-year-old keeper Tommy Setford also out injured, Arteta has decided to turn to teenager Porter in between the sticks at the Emirates, according to the Athletic, having made a real impression on the Spanish boss during training sessions with the first team.
Arteta has been impressed with Porter's handling, personality and even his ball skills - the report says - having already been named on the substitutes bench when Arsenal travelled in the Champions League to face Atalanta this month.
Arteta won't be depending on Porter for future games to come, with Raya's knee issue only minor and not expected to keep him out of Arsenal's next game against Leicester City this weekend, it goes on to say.
But Porter will have a huge opportunity to add to his impressive experience already that has seen him sign scholarship forms with Arsenal this summer and also pick up caps with the England U17s. He only turned 16 in July.
He expressed delight about signing his forms with Arsenal this summer on social media, writing: "Dream come true, delighted to sign for this amazing football club with such great history, would like to thank everyone who’s supported me throughout the years. Hard work carries on."
Porter will be among a selection of youngsters given a chance to shine against Bolton - with highly-rated stars such as Ethan Nwaneri and Mules Lewis-Skelly also tipped to be handed minutes.
The news follows concern over Raya - who has been Arsenal's stand-out star this season with a string of incredible saves, the latest of which was a superb double stop against Atalanta to help the club secure a 0-0 draw.
He also came up trumps for Arsenal in their 2-2 draw against Manchester City, making a total of nine saves after the team went down to ten men. There were concerns for the Spaniard after the game when he was seen limping down the tunnel - though Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief with the issue not set to be a severe one.
Arteta was forced to hit back at suggestions his players were faking injuries, saying: "If a player is faking something that means he will carry on and be involved in the squad and play."
expensiveshey
9
why are all this anti arsenal pained.well you all are pained we are doing well and you all laugh at us when we are doing bad, your laugh and mockery motivate us...... cry more please