🔥🏟️BREAKING NEWS: Mikel Merino has returned to Arsenal training and is set to play against Tottenham after Declan Rice’s red card. Great news for Arsenal fans!

Arsenal’s new summer signing, Mikel Merino, will have to delay his debut after suffering a significant injury during his first training session with the club.

The midfielder sustained a fractured shoulder following a collision with center-back Gabriel Magalhaes, and early reports indicate that Merino could be sidelined for as long as two months.

This setback is a major blow to manager Mikel Arteta’s plans for the season, as Merino was expected to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield.

Merino’s arrival marked Arsenal’s third high-profile signing of the summer transfer window.

He followed goalkeeper David Raya, who made a permanent move from Brentford, and left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna after a standout performance at EURO 2024.

Arsenal secured Merino from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £32 million, and the Spanish international was highly anticipated to form a formidable partnership with Declan Rice in central midfield.

However, Merino’s injury, coupled with Rice’s current suspension after receiving a red card in a recent match, has left Arteta in a difficult position.

Arteta will need to reassess his midfield options as Arsenal prepares for an intense stretch of fixtures.

With Merino ruled out, the Gunners will miss his presence not only in Premier League matches but also in crucial Champions League games leading up to the October international break.

The injury, described as a freak accident, has come at a particularly inopportune time for Arsenal.

The club is set to face several challenging opponents in the coming weeks, including Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, as well as European heavyweights Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Without Merino and Rice, Arsenal’s midfield options are significantly reduced, meaning players like Thomas Partey and Jorginho will need to step up to fill the void.

Merino’s injury is especially frustrating given the optimism surrounding his signing.

The 27-year-old had been a standout performer for both Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team in recent seasons.

Known for his blend of physicality, technical skill, and football intelligence, Merino was seen as an ideal partner for Rice, combining well-rounded defensive attributes with playmaking abilities.

Arsenal fans had hoped that his arrival would help the team dictate play and control possession in high-stakes matches.

While the injury delays Merino’s introduction to the squad, Arsenal remains confident in his long-term value to the team.

Once he is fully recovered, Merino is expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s midfield setup, offering versatility as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder.

His ability to read the game, make intelligent passes, and contribute defensively should make him a crucial component of Arteta’s strategy moving forward.

In the meantime, Arsenal will have to cope without Merino as they navigate a difficult series of fixtures.

Arteta’s tactical flexibility will be tested as he looks to reshuffle his midfield to maintain momentum in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Despite the setback, Merino’s eventual return to fitness will be a significant boost for Arsenal, as the team aims to compete on multiple fronts this season.