Arsenal"s Mikel Merino sidelined for two months after training injury
- Mikel Merino suffered a fractured shoulder during his first training session with Arsenal, resulting in a nearly two-month absence.
- His injury poses a challenge for manager Mikel Arteta, especially with Declan Rice suspended for the upcoming north London derby.
- The club is hopeful Merino will return after the October international break, but his absence complicates the team's midfield options.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has sustained a fractured shoulder during his first training session with the club, which will keep him sidelined for nearly two months. The injury occurred following a collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes at the club's training facility in London Colney. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the extent of the injury, indicating that Merino is not expected to return until mid-October at the earliest. This injury comes as a significant setback for Arsenal, particularly with the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham on September 15. Declan Rice's suspension due to a red card further complicates the team's midfield options, leaving Arteta in search of alternative strategies to fill the gap left by both players. Merino's absence will be felt as he was anticipated to play a crucial role in the squad, especially with the busy schedule ahead, including a match against Bournemouth on October 19 and a Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk shortly after. The club is hopeful that he may be fit to return after the October international break. In addition to the injury news, Arsenal has also rejected a substantial bid of £29.5 million from Al Ittihad for Leandro Trossard. The Saudi Pro League's transfer window remains open, but Arteta is keen to retain his attacking players, especially after the recent signing of Raheem Sterling, indicating a desire to maintain squad depth amid injury challenges.