Karl Hein will be named on the bench for Arsenal against Chelsea, with James Hillson also involved, as Aaron Ramsdale’s partner gives birth.

Aaron Ramsdale will be unavailable for Arsenal’s match against Chelsea on Saturday, due to his partner giving birth.

David Raya was already expected to start the game, but Karl Hein will step up to the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal almost always take three goalkeepers to away games, and James Hillson has reportedly received the call-up to act as the third-choice goalkeeper this weekend.

Unless there’s an injury or illness pre-game, Hillson wouldn’t be involved in the named squad for the match, but he’ll join the other two goalkeepers for the warm-up.

With Raya’s arrival making Arsenal’s goalkeeper position even more competitive, Hein hasn’t played any senior club minutes so far this season.

The goalkeeper featured in the League Cup in 2022/23, but Ramsdale was handed the minutes against Brentford in September, and he’ll likely continue to play for the Gunners in the cup competitions.

Hein did at least play against Swindon Town’s senior side in an EFL Trophy game in August, playing for the Arsenal u21s.

Other than that, his only senior appearances have been in internationals, playing against Sweden, Belgium, and Azerbaijan with Estonia in September and October.

With any luck, Hein won’t be needed for Saturday’s game anyway, and Ramsdale will be back in action for the trip to Sevilla next week. We wish him and his partner all the best in the meantime.