David Raya was absent for Arsenal's Champions League clash against Girona on Wednesday night with Mikel Arteta confirming that the goalkeeper is currently injured

That Mikel Merino's goal was ruled out late on for a Kai Havertz handball rubbed salt in the wounds but Mikel Arteta's mask finally slipped post-match as the Arsenal boss conceded that keeping pace with Liverpool was simply proving too difficult for the threadbare Gunners.

Arsenal could only manage a draw against Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta bemoaned his lack of options on the bench after his side were unable to earn victory and fell further behind Liverpool

Arsenal saw a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta refusing to rule out a move for the striker before the end of the January window

David Raya was notably absent from Arsenal's Champions League victory over Girona, and questions loom over his availability for the upcoming Premier League showdown with Manchester City. Neto stepped in as goalkeeper for the Gunners' trip to Spain, where they secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win.

Arsenal are safely through to the next round of the Champions League but David Raya was absent for their win over Girona and is a doubt for Sunday's meeting with Manchester City

Mikel Arteta admitted his envy at Liverpool's greater strength in depth after Arsenal lost ground in the Premier League title race with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya missed the club’s final Champions League group game through injury. Arteta made seven changes for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Girona, with 35-year-old goalkeeper Neto making his Gunners debut between the posts.