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Worrying Arsenal injury news sets timeframe for Mikel Merino
- Reports suggest Merino's injury is worse than initially feared
Mikel Merino missed the chance to make his Arsenal debut against Brighton due to injury and it now looks like he could be waiting some time to do so.
Mikel Arteta revealed in his press conference ahead of the meeting with the Seagulls that Merino had suffered a shoulder injury, potentially a small fracture, in his first training session. The midfielder is said to have fallen with Gabriel then tumbling on top of him, certainly a frustrating way to pick up an injury.
A report from the Daily Mail has now revealed that although the initial expectation was for Merino to miss just a few weeks of action, he is now expected to be absent until mid-October.
Worrying Arsenal injury news sets timeframe for Mikel Merino
Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reported on Monday that Merino is now expected to be sidelined until mid-October "at the earliest".
It is hoped the midfielder will be able to return to action following the October international break. Arsenal's first tie following the break is a trip to Bournemouth.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino set to miss close to two months with the fractured shoulder suffered in his first training session. Pencilled in for mid-October return, after next international break. Story: https://t.co/NlCQUPUXX1
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) September 2, 2024
One positive about the injury is that it means Merino will not be called up to play for the Spanish national team over the first two international breaks of the season. As a result, he will be able to continue his recovery at the Sobha Realty Training Centre while most of his teammates are away representing their countries.
Regardless of this, the injury certainly comes as a tremendous blow to the Gunners, especially considering their busy schedule throughout the next few months. Soon after the trip to Bournemouth, Arsenal will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the new-look Champions League before welcoming Liverpool to Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping his namesake can make a swift recovery so he can play at least some part in the busy months ahead.
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