After signing for Arsenal at the end of August, Mikel Merino has likely been just as frustrated as the club’s supporters that he’s had to wait until now to make his debut.
Merino suffered a freak shoulder injury in one of his first training sessions at Arsenal, delaying his start for over a month.
Of course, the Spaniard was then joined in the treatment room at London Colney by another former Real Sociedad player, Martin Odegaard.
Merino would have been perfectly positioned to deputise for the Arsenal captain, but instead had to wait patiently to return to training himself.
That being said, Ian Wright was amazed by Mikel Merino’s debut on Tuesday evening after Paris Saint-Germain.
Merino replaced Thomas Partey in the middle in the 63rd minute, demonstrating the physicality of his game as well as showcasing one or two nice touches.
Mikel Merino makes his bid for Thomas Partey’s starting spot at Arsenal
28-year-old Merino is also likely to make his return to Premier League action this weekend when Arsenal face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
Merino left Newcastle United in 2018 to head back to Spain, and he’s now ready to have another crack at success in England.
READ MORE: £85m forward who Arsenal want to sign spotted at the Emirates during win over PSG
That being said, after making his Arsenal debut on Tuesday, Merino took to Instagram to share a message with the N5 faithful.
The Spaniard posted seven photos along with a caption of: “What a feeling!!! Really happy for my debut. Honoured to be part of this huge and amazing club!! Thank you so much to everyone for the warm welcome. COYG.”
William Saliba and Bukayo Saka both left messages on the post, with the former saying “Welcome bro” to his new teammate.
Partey praised for big improvement vs PSG
As mentioned, Merino replaced Partey when he came on and Declan Rice then dropped slightly deeper.
Perhaps once Odegaard is back fit, Mikel Arteta will consider the Norwegian, Merino and Rice to be his strongest midfield combination.
That being said, Arsenal fans changed their stance on Partey after his strong showing against PSG.
Partey was criticised against Leicester City in the 4-2 win last Saturday – supporters felt as if he was partially at fault for both goals that the Gunners conceded.
But in what could be his last season in north London, it’s clear that a fully-fit Partey will fight for his starting spot the whole way.
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