Arsenal star Mikel Merino ruled out for 'weeks' after fracturing shoulder
Mikel Arteta has confirmed a major injury blow with the news that Mikel Merino faces 'weeks' out due to a shoulder fracture suffered in his first training session with the club.
Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad earlier this week in a deal worth an initial £27.4m with a further £4.2m in performance-based add-ons.
The 28-year-old was brought in to add some much-needed physicality to Arsenal's midfield, as he has some of the best ground and aerial tactics in Europe's top five leagues.
Merino was fit to replace Thomas Partey, who has suffered serious injury problems since joining the Gunners from Atletico Madrid, in Arsenal's midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The Spaniard was due to make his debut against Brighton this weekend, however, those plans have been shelved as Arteta has confirmed Merino faces “weeks” on the sidelines.
Fracture
The Gunners boss revealed his new signing suffered a fractured shoulder following a clash with Gabriel Magalhaes during Merino's first training session at London Colney.
There was also bad news regarding the availability of Gabriel Jesus The striker is set to miss out again this weekend with a groin injury, although Arteta appeared to suggest the Brazilian would be back soon.
There was less optimism surrounding the update on Takehiro Tomiyasu's condition, with Arteta unable to provide a timeframe on the defender's potential return to action.
Arteta He told reporters In his pre-match press conference:
About Merino
“Yes, it is a shame. He had a collision yesterday and unfortunately he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he will be out for a few weeks.
“He was very excited and everything seemed to be going well. He fell to the ground and (Big) Gabi fell on top of him and it looks like he probably has a small fracture.”
“We have to see. He was in a lot of pain. We will have to do more tests and then we will have more conclusive answers.”
About Jesus
“He’s progressing very well,” Arteta said of Jesus. “He had a small muscle injury and he’s already doing a lot of things, so we hope he’ll be with us very soon.”
About Tomiyasu
“At the moment it is difficult to say when the Japanese international is likely to return. The process of the first phase of this injury is a bit slow. The medical team will probably have to say more about that,” he said.
Merino's injury will be a blow for Arsenal, who face Brighton tomorrow after disastrous away trips. Tottenham and City of man after the international break.
The Gunners also have Champions League and there will be Carabao Cup games to deal with in the coming weeks/months so losing Merino will be hugely disappointing.
