Mikel Merino signed for Arsenal from Real Sociedad this summer, but the midfielder is already out of action with a shoulder injury before even making his debut.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the news in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s weekend fixture against Brighton, admitting that Merino would be out for “a few weeks”. But he added the worrying update that the injury looked like “a small fracture”.
The Athletic have since reported that if such a fracture is confirmed, Merino is likely to be out for at least six weeks, not just “a few”.
Merino picked up the injury in one of his first training sessions with Arsenal, colliding with a teammate as he landed.
If a six-week absence is confirmed, Merino will miss matches against Brighton, Spurs, Manchester City, Leicester City, and Southampton, as well as two Champions League fixtures and the League Cup third round.
That’s eight matches at a minimum, and we can only hope the injury doesn’t keep him out for longer.
Merino’s injury history is generally encouraging, with only 47 games missed for club and country since his debut in 2014/15. That’s an average of four or five matches per campaign.
This is also the first time the 28-year-old has suffered a shoulder injury, so there’s no history of issues there.
At least he can adapt to the culture at his new club as he works on his recovery.