Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ended Monday night’s narrow Premier League victory against Burnley with a suspected back injury, but the Spaniard has since provided a positive update amid concerns over his fitness.
The North London side edged closer to a first league title in 22 years after a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal of the match from a Bukayo Saka corner in the first half. The result leaves Arsenal on the brink of Premier League glory, with Manchester City still attempting to keep the title race alive.
While Arsenal secured another crucial clean sheet, there was late concern when Raya went down following a collision with Burnley forward Zian Flemming as he attempted to collect a cross. The Spain international appeared to be in significant discomfort and required lengthy treatment after clutching his lower back, but has eased those concerns.
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Speaking after the match, however, Raya moved quickly to reassure supporters that the problem was not serious.
“Yeah, I had a dead back, a dead glute and a dead shoulder but I’ll be fine,” Raya said. “Ice bath, I’m going straight away to the ice bath.”
The 30-year-old’s latest shutout marked his 19th clean sheet of the Premier League campaign, equalling a long-standing Arsenal club record previously held by legendary former goalkeeper David Seaman.
Raya also reflected on Arsenal’s defensive strength this season, praising the collective effort behind the club’s title push.
“I am very proud of the collective way that we are playing and of course very, very proud of myself,” he said. “I’m trying to help the team as much as possible but without these players I couldn’t do it by myself.
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“From the start of the season we had that toughness defensively, that willingness not to concede many chances and goals. Credit to everyone — the way we defend and the way we work to keep those clean sheets.”
The goalkeeper added that maintaining concentration throughout matches has been one of the biggest improvements in his game this season, particularly during tight contests where Arsenal have often won by a single goal margin.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will now hope David Raya recovers fully ahead of Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace, a match that could officially secure the Premier League crown depending on Manchester City’s result against Bournemouth.
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