Arsenal signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad over the summer to bolster their midfield but the North London giants will not be able to call upon the Spaniard anytime soon.
The 28-year-old was spotted at the Emirates Stadium during the Brighton draw wearing a sling on his right arm after suffering a should injury during training. This was confirmed by Mikel Arteta ahead of Saturday's game, which Merino was set to feature in had he been fit.
But how long will the Euro 2024 winner be out for? The Daily Mail has revealed insight into his injury and it might concern Arsenal fans.
According to the news outlet, the Spaniard suffered a shoulder fracture during his first training session following a collision with Brazilian center-back Gabriel Magalhaes. As a result, he will reportedly be sidelined for nearly two months.
The midfielder might return in mid-October at the earliest. The Gunners take on Bournemouth on October 19 following an international break hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.
This means Arteta will be without his new signing for several key games, including their next two Premier League fixtures, which are back-to-back trips to Tottenham and title rivals Manchester City.
Merino will also miss the club's first two UEFA Champions League matches of the season against Atalanta (Sep. 19) and PSG (Oct. 1). Arsenal will be desperate to have him back by late October as the club will face Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), Inter Milan (A), and Chelsea (A) in four consecutive matches between October 27 and November 9.
The North London giants were recently handed their first disappointment of the season, drawing 1-1 at home to Brighton following Declan Rice's controversial sending-off.
The Englishman received a second yellow for kicking the ball and delaying the restart after the Seagulls were awarded a free kick. This means Arsenal will be without Rice and Merino, who were expected to be the club's main midfield partnership, for the upcoming North London Derby.
