{statorium_player pid=922 sid=343 text="Mikel Merino's"} {statorium_team tid=9 sid=343 text="Arsenal"} journey has hit an early obstacle, as the newly-signed midfielder sustained a shoulder injury during his first training session with the club. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who completed a £31.6 million transfer from {statorium_team tid=32 sid=344 text="Real Sociedad"} earlier in the week, was looking forward to settling in with his new team. However, a collision with a teammate on Thursday led to what has been described as a "small fracture" in his shoulder.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the unfortunate news, expressing disappointment over the injury. "It’s a real shame. He was very enthusiastic, and everything was going well until he hit the ground with Gabi landing on him. It seems he’s going to be out for several weeks," Arteta explained. The full extent of the injury will be clearer after further medical tests, but Merino was reportedly in significant discomfort after the incident.
Second Signing of the Summer Sidelined
Merino's injury puts a damper on what had been a promising start to the summer for Arsenal in the transfer market. The midfielder was the club's second acquisition of the window, following the signing of {statorium_player pid=7714 sid=387 text="Riccardo Calafiori"} from {statorium_player pid=12627 sid=387 text="Bologna"}. His arrival was expected to bolster the team's midfield options as they push for a strong start to the Premier League season.
Despite the setback, Arsenal will need to adapt quickly. Merino's absence, though not long-term, comes at a crucial time as the Gunners look to maintain momentum after victories in their opening two league matches. Arsenal will now have to face {statorium_team tid=19 sid=343 text="Brighton"}, one of the few other teams with a perfect record so far, without their new recruit.
Bright Start to the Season Continues
Arsenal's strong start to the season has been encouraging for fans, with back-to-back wins over {statorium_team tid=13 sid=343 text="Wolves"} and {statorium_team tid=112 sid=343 text="Aston Villa"}. The team is preparing to host Brighton at the Emirates on Saturday, a match that promises to be a significant early test given both teams’ unbeaten records.
Arteta and his squad will have to navigate this challenge without Merino, but the team remains focused on continuing their winning streak. The manager is hopeful that Merino will recover quickly and join the squad on the pitch soon, but for now, Arsenal must proceed without him as they aim to keep pace at the top of the table.