Arsenal kick-off their Carabao Cup campaign on Wednesday night against Bolton Wanderers – with a 16-year-old likely to be in goal.
The Gunners have made a good start to the 2024/25 season, with Mikel Arteta’s men unbeaten across all competitions and fourth in the Premier League, two points off the top.
They’ll be hoping and expected to continue this run when they host League One Bolton at the Emirates.
But it won’t be as simple a match as first thought, as Arteta may be forced to hand a debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper .
But why? And what do we know about the young Gunner?
Who is Jack Porter?
Porter only turned 16 two months ago and shortly after signed a scholarship contract with Arsenal.
Upon doing so, he posted a picture of himself on Instagram with club hero and academy manager Per Mertesacker, accompanied by the caption:
‘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.’
To date, Porter, who wears the No.92 shirt, has made six appearances for Arsenal U18s, keeping one clean sheet and conceding 12 goals.
Despite his tender years he has already been tipped for a big future. He played for the U21s side in August and was even named on the bench for the first-team’s goalless draw at Atalanta in the Champions League last week.
Additionally, Porter has already played several times for England’s youth teams.
Why is Jack Porter playing for Arsenal against Bolton?
In the early rounds of cup competitions, teams typically give their back-up goalkeepers a rare start but the Gunners are unable to do that for the third round clash against Bolton.
Arsenal’s No.2 Neto is cup-tied for the Carabao Cup having already played for parent club Bournemouth in the second-round.
Next in line would be Tommy Setford but the 18-year-old has been struggling with injuries since switching Ajax for the Emirates over the summer.
No.1 keeper David Raya could play, however Arteta has been unable to confirm whether he is fit enough to take on Bolton after seemingly picking up a knee issue during the epic 2-2 draw at Manchester City last Sunday.
If Raya is indeed sidelined, Arteta will have no choice but to hand a debut to fourth-choice keeper Porter.
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