Arsenal receive bad news ahead of their upcoming fixtures

Arsenal’s new signing, Mikel Merino, is set to miss a significant portion of the early season after suffering a fractured shoulder in his first training session with the club. The Daily Mail reports that the Spanish midfielder is expected to be sidelined for close to two months, ruling him out of crucial fixtures including the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The news is a major blow to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had been eager to integrate Merino into his squad following his summer arrival from Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old was seen as a key addition to the midfield, bringing experience and a strong defensive presence.

Merino’s injury is expected to keep him out until mid-October, after the next international break. This means he will miss several important games.

The Gunners will now have to rely on their current midfield options, including Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard, during Merino’s absence. While Arsenal boast a strong midfield core, the loss of Merino will undoubtedly impact their depth and tactical flexibility in the coming weeks.

The club will be hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Merino, who will be eager to make his mark at the Emirates Stadium once he returns to fitness.