Mikel Merino and Spain boss send Arteta a clear warning over Arsenal benching

It feels like an eternity since Arsenal's 3-0 loss to Brighton in the Premier League, as the international break is finally coming to an end after three weeks. The Gunners are preparing to face Leeds United on Saturday, hoping to get back to winning ways after the break.

There have been some issues over the past few weeks, as the international break is always a concern for potential injuries. Kai Havertz, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Max Dowman have all suffered injuries and could all miss Saturday's clash with Leeds, which means that Mikel Arteta will have some lineup decisions to make.

Perhaps the biggest loss is Havertz, as he's been starting up front for the Gunners this season, with Viktor Gyokeres firmly on the bench. Gyokeres' club form is a worry, and so Arteta may consider other options to play as his centre-forward.

Mikel Merino could play up front

Midfielder Mikel Merino played as Arsenal's main striker during part of last season when both Gyokeres and Havertz were unavailable. He's shown in the past that he's a very capable goalscorer and could be an option for Arteta if he didn't want more of a traditional nine in Gyokeres.

Merino has also been a regular fixture on Arsenal's bench this year; he's yet to start in five Premier League games and has only really come on in midfield later in matches, but with the recent injury to Havertz, it could give the Spaniard more of an opportunity.

He has been away with Spain for the international break, and was able to continue his excellent form for the National team, scoring twice in their 2-1 win over Croatia in the Nations League on Tuesday. He now has 15 goals in 55 games for Spain, showing that he can be a real threat in front of goal.

Luis De La Fuente sent Mikel Arteta a warning about Merino

Seeing as Merino hasn't been playing as much as perhaps he deserves at the Emirates, there is always the worry that a player is going to become unhappy with their lack of minutes and demand to leave.

Merino himself doesn't seem the type, but Spain boss Luis De La Fuente believes that a move could be beneficial for Merino, comments that Arteta won't want to hear.

After the Croatia victory, De La Fuente was quoted in SoccerNews as he spoke about Merino's ability in his post-match press conference. He said: "It's an honour to coach a player like that. In another country, he would be more valued. I hope more will be done.

"Merino is one of the best in the world in his position. He has the class to play in any team and can always play, obviously. He knows how to understand these moments of the match."

With Havertz injured, it would perhaps be the perfect time to get Merino into the starting lineup and let him prove himself, especially if there's a risk of him wanting out.

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