Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has expressed his feelings of “suffering and hurt” following his displacement from Arsenal’s starting lineup in favour of David Raya.
However, he emphasised that he maintains a positive relationship with his teammate.
Ramsdale had been Arsenal’s primary choice in goal since joining the team in 2021, playing in all 38 Premier League matches last season.
Nevertheless, he found himself on the bench for the north London club’s most recent four league games, with David Raya taking his place.
Raya had arrived on loan from Brentford in August.
“I think because it’s one of the first times it’s happened with the situation, it has been difficult,” Ramsdale told reporters.
“Whether it is me or David who plays, we need to be able to just focus and play but at the same time, it’s a strange, big headline. We have to deal with it and that is what we are doing. If we didn’t get on it, it wouldn’t work. We work professionally really well together.
“There’s days where I come in and I’m down because of the situation and he picks me up and for whatever reason there might be a day where he’s down and even though I’m suffering and hurting for not playing, I have to stand up and be able to push him.”
Ramsdale was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this month’s friendly against Australia and Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, but the 25-year-old did not feature in either game.
“For me, I need to get back into my club team to keep getting picked [for England] and keep giving the manager a headache because if I’m not, then that’s an easier decision for him,” Ramsdale added.
“It is a worry; it is the first time I have found myself in this situation.”
Arsenal, who are second in the Premier League, travel to face Chelsea on Saturday.