According to Sami Mokbel, Arsenal’s latest acquisition faces a significant setback, with nearly two months on the sidelines due to a recent injury. During the summer transfer window, Arsenal made headlines by signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for around €32 million, aiming to strengthen their midfield depth. Unfortunately, Merino will now have to postpone his debut for the Gunners.

The injury occurred during a recent training session when Merino collided with defender Gabriel Magalhães, resulting in a serious shoulder injury. The 28-year-old midfielder will need several weeks to fully recover, with reports indicating that he has sustained a shoulder fracture.

Mokbel’s sources reveal that Merino is expected to be out of action for almost two months and is likely to return to training only after the international break in mid-October.

This development is certainly disappointing news for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta. With Merino unavailable for crucial matches, the team faces challenges in maintaining both depth and quality in their squad as they contend with powerhouses like Manchester City and Liverpool.