September 2nd 2024.
Mikel Merino, the latest addition to the Arsenal squad, unfortunately will not be making his debut for the team anytime soon. Reports have confirmed that the midfielder will be out of action until at least mid-October due to a shoulder injury.
The Gunners secured Merino's services in a £31.6 million deal from Real Sociedad during the final week of the summer transfer window. However, his much-awaited debut was put on hold when he suffered a fractured shoulder during a training session, colliding with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
Even though he was present at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal's match against Brighton on Saturday, Merino could do nothing but watch from the stands with his right arm in a sling. According to sources, it is anticipated that Merino will not be available for selection until after the next international break in October.
This means that the Spaniard's potential debut for the Gunners could happen in the Premier League clash against Bournemouth on October 20, or in the Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22. As of now, it is estimated that Merino will miss a total of seven games for Arsenal, including the highly-anticipated North London derby against Tottenham on September 15, the away game against Manchester City on September 22, and the home game against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.
The full list of games that Merino is set to miss for Arsenal are as follows:
-Tottenham (Premier League) on September 15
-Atalanta (Champions League) on September 19
-Manchester City (Premier League) on September 22
-Bolton (Carabao Cup) - date to be confirmed
-Leicester City (Premier League) on September 28
-Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League) on October 1
-Southampton (Premier League) on October 5
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment over Merino's injury, stating that it was very unfortunate and unexpected. He explained that the midfielder had a collision in his first training session with the team, resulting in a shoulder injury that will keep him out of action for a few weeks.
"It was in his first session with us. It's really bad luck, we were all excited, everything was looking good," Arteta said. "He landed on the floor, Gabriel fell on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture. He was in so much pain, we have to see. He'll do more tests which will have more conclusive answers."
It's a tough blow for both Arsenal and Merino, who was eager to make an impact with his new team. As fans eagerly await his debut, they will have to show patience and support for the midfielder's recovery process.
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