Arsenal's Ramsdale set to start against Brentford with Raya out for the game

David Raya is ineligible to play against Brentford in the next Premier League game as league rules prevent the Spanish goalkeeper from playing against his parent club.

This provides an opportunity for Aaron Ramsdale to return to the starting line-up in goal for Arsenal, something he has not done since 3 September against Manchester United, where the Gunners won 3-1.

The England international goalkeeper's father recently spoke in an interview and said that his son was not having a good time in the mood. "Aaron lost that smile. And it's difficult to see him there. We all keep saying: 'you need to keep smiling'. And at the moment in time, we haven't got that smile in him," said Ramsdale's father.

But the 25-year-old goalkeeper does not have it all to play for as Estonian keeper Karl Hein, who could be considered the Gunners' third goalkeeper, is also available and if the relationship between Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale is deteriorating, the Spanish coach could hand the 21-year-old a starting berth.

Former Newcastle player Gabby Agbonlahor told 'talkSPORT' that Newcastle should go for Ramsdale in the January transfer window. “Ramsdale has to go in January. Pope’s a top shot stopper but can’t play with his feet,” said Agbonlahor.

 

November 22, 2023