Aaron Ramsdale Left Out of Arsenal Squad for Chelsea Clash
Aaron Ramsdale was left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea (Picture: Getty).
The England international has lost his place as the club’s undisputed No.1 goalkeeper following the arrival and subsequent promotion of summer signing David Raya. Ramsdale had been on the bench for the previous four Premier League games and was expected to remain there with the Spain international continuing between the posts for a vital London derby.
However, Ramsdale was given a leave of absence on Saturday after his wife gave birth to a baby boy. Estonia international Karl Hein, 21, who has made only one senior appearance for the Gunners, takes Ramsdale’s place amongst the replacements with Raya starting again.
Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka returned to the starting XI having missed the landmark win over Manchester City prior to the international break. William Saliba, who pulled out of the France squad with a toe injury, was fit enough to start while Jorginho retained his place and lined up against his former club.
For Chelsea, captain Reece James was fit enough only for the bench with Malo Gusto and the recalled Marc Cucurella occupying the full-back positions. Mykhailo Mudryk, who appeared destined to join Arsenal back in January, returned to the starting XI while Raheem Sterling featured in a false nine role.
Aaron Ramsdale’s Absence Highlights Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Options
Aaron Ramsdale’s absence from Arsenal’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea highlights the Gunners’ options in goal. The England international has lost his place as the club’s undisputed No.1 goalkeeper following the arrival and subsequent promotion of summer signing David Raya.
Ramsdale had been on the bench for the previous four Premier League games and was expected to remain there with the Spain international continuing between the posts for a vital London derby. However, Ramsdale was given a leave of absence on Saturday after his wife gave birth to a baby boy.
Estonia international Karl Hein, 21, who has made only one senior appearance for the Gunners, takes Ramsdale’s place amongst the replacements with Raya starting again. The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United shot-stopper has had to settle for a place on the bench since Raya’s arrival and his absence from Saturday’s game highlights just how much competition there is for places in Arsenal’s goalkeeping department.
Raya has been in impressive form since his arrival and has kept four clean sheets in his first six Premier League appearances for the Gunners. He has also made some crucial saves at key moments in games and has shown himself to be an able deputy for Ramsdale when called upon.
Hein is another option for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and he made his senior debut for the Gunners in their Europa League win over Dundalk earlier this season. The 21-year-old is highly rated by Arteta and could be given an opportunity to impress if he is called upon against Chelsea on Saturday.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for another goalkeeper in recent weeks with reports suggesting that they are interested in signing Atletico Madrid stopper Jan Oblak. The Slovenian international is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and would provide further competition for Raya and Ramsdale if he were to make the move to North London.
Conclusion
Aaron Ramsdale’s absence from Arsenal’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea highlights the Gunners’ options in goal. The England international has lost his place as the club’s undisputed No.1 goalkeeper following the arrival and subsequent promotion of summer signing David Raya.
Raya has been in impressive form since his arrival and has kept four clean sheets in his first six Premier League appearances for the Gunners. He is joined by Estonia international Karl Hein, 21, who has made only one senior appearance for the Gunners, as well as being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid stopper Jan Oblak.
This provides Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with plenty of options in goal and it will be interesting to see how he utilises them going forward.