Big blow for Arsenal with Merino injured until late October

Arsenal have suffered a huge injury blow during the early part of the Premier League season.

The Gunners signed midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad towards the end of August after weeks of continuous speculation regarding his future.

The Spaniard was excited to make his debut before the international break, but he unfortunately picked up a shoulder injury in his first training session.

A challenge from Gabriel Magalhaes went completely wrong, and manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder had sustained a small fracture.

Merino could be ruled out for nearly two months with the unfortunate blow, according to the Daily Mail.

He may not make his Gunners debut until after the October international break.

Merino’s injury is a huge blow for Arsenal

The 28-year-old has been signed to add more defensive resolve and creativity from midfield.

Merino is a central midfielder by trade, but he can also operate in the number six role.

The former Sociedad man won the most duels in Europe’s top-five leagues last term with 326. The second best was Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes with 286.

Merino would have been an ideal starter for the north London derby this month with Declan Rice suspended.

He could have also featured against Manchester City with his strong aerial and physical prowess.

His absence is obviously a concern for the Gunners, and Arteta will be hoping he can make a swift and complete recovery before making his club debut.