Mikel Arteta confirms huge injury blow, Arsenal star out for weeks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a huge injury blow ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have had a superb start to the top-flight campaign with back-to-back wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

They will be aiming to claim the top spot in Saturday’s early kick-off against Brighton. Ahead of the game, Arteta has confirmed a massive injury blow for new signing Mikel Merino.

The 28-year-old was recently unveiled as a new arrival, but he won’t be available for several weeks after picking up a shoulder injury in training.

Arteta told reporters: “Yes, very unfortunate. Yesterday he had a collision, and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.

“He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him. It looks like he has a small fracture.”

Arsenal have been very cautious during the summer transfer window, and they have now suffered an unexpected setback with Merino on the sidelines.

The club have sold Emile Smith Rowe and loaned out Fabio Vieira this summer. Merino was expected to fill the void, but he will need to wait for his debut.

The Gunners are actively looking for a versatile winger on deadline day. They could also be tempted to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes tonight.