Arsenal suffer early Mikel Merino blow as Mikel Arteta confirms injury timescale

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Arsenal will have to wait to see Mikel Merino in action in red and white following his transfer from Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard arrived earlier this week after months of speculation linking him with a move to North London.

After winning Euro 2024 with Spain, Mikel Arteta and Edu’s intentions were clear as the duo pushed to get the deal over the line. 

Despite arriving and joining up with his new teammates in training, fans will have to wait a little longer to see the midfielder in action.

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Mikel Merino suffers injury following Arsenal transfer

Arsenal play Brighton at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon however, it’s not a fixture that Merino will be a part of. 

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that the 28-year-old has suffered an injury and will be out of action for a few weeks.

Merino suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session in North London, which will now see him sidelined for the time being.

It’s the worst timing for both Arsenal and the summer arrival, who would have been eager to get going following his transfer.

The games that Merino could miss for Arsenal

Merino will certainly miss tomorrow’s clash with the Seagulls, with the midfielder also omitted from the Spain squad ahead of the international break. 

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During that time, the speed of the midfielder’s recovery will determine his fitness ahead of the North London Derby on September 15th and the Carabao Cup clash with Bolton just two days later. 

Following that, the Gunners travel to the Etihad to battle Manchester City in a game that the Spain international will certainly want to be a part of.

There will be hope that the Spaniard can return to action swiftly after the international break, as Arsenal fans will be desperate to see the 28-year-old in action.