Arsenal named 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter in their starting line-up for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round match against Bolton Wanderers.
First-choice goalkeeper David Raya left the Etihad Stadium with a bandage around his right knee after sustaining an injury in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City and is taking no chances.
With Neto – who joined on loan from Bournemouth in the summer – not selected for the cup and 18-year-old substitute Tommy Setford also injured, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has fielded Porter, who only turned 16 in July.
Porter had previously trained with the first team several times and was a substitute in last week’s Champions League away match against Atalanta, which ended 0-0.
He only signed a scholarship with the Gunners in the summer and will not be able to sign a professional contract until next year when he turns 17.
As ESPN reported on the deadline day, Arsenal tried to sign two goalkeepers towards the end of the transfer window. Aaron Ramsdale was transferred to Southampton on a permanent basis and Karl Hein was transferred to Real Valladolid on loan.
After securing the arrival of Neto, they explored a deal for Joan García at Espanyol and also tried to sign Dan Bentley from Wolves, but were unable to reach an agreement.
Arteta has rotated his team for the game against Bolton, including the use of young players Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly, while Raheem Sterling will be in the starting line-up for the first time following his season-long loan from Chelsea.
