Mikel Merino suffered an unfortunate injury just days after joining Arsenal.
The former Real Sociedad midfielder agreed a transfer worth a reported £31.6 million and was expected to go straight into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up.
However, after suffering a shoulder injury during his first training session, the 28-year-old, who collided with Gabriel, is on the sidelines.
Watching from the stands at the Emirates during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, the Spain international was seen wearing a shoulder brace.
Mikel Merino’s injury timetable has been revealed
Forced to wait to make his debut at his club, according to him Football Londonthe former Real Sociedad player will be out for between six and eight weeks.
The absence of Merino, who will miss up to 10 games, will come as a blow to Arteta, who is preparing for some tough games, including the North London Derby against rivals Spurs, after the international break.
Which Arsenal games could Merino miss?
The Gunners’ next 10 games in all competitions include six Premier League fixtures; two of which face title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, three Champions League group games and an EFL Cup tie against League One Bolton.
Premier League September 15: spurs (A)
17 September EFL Cup: Bolton (H)
September 19: Champions League: Atalanta (A)
Premier League September 22: Manchester city (A)
Premier League September 28: Leicester city (H)
October 1 Champions League: PSG (H)
Premier League October 5: Southampton (H)
Premier League October 19: Bournemouth (A)
October 22 Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk (H)
Premier League October 27: Liverpool (H)
