Mikel Arteta confirms huge injury blow for new signing Mikel Merino

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a huge injury blow ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have had a superb start to the top-flight campaign with back-to-back wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa – the latter away from home.

They will be aiming to claim the top spot in Saturday’s early kick-off against Brighton. Ahead of the game, Arteta has confirmed a massive injury blow for new signing Mikel Merino.

The 28-year-old was unveiled as a fresh arrival this week after long speculation, but he won’t be available for several weeks after picking up a shoulder injury in training.

Arteta revealed in the pre-match presser that Merino was really excited to make his debut, but he won’t be available for some time after a small fracture in his shoulder.

He told reporters: “Yes, very unfortunate. Yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.

“He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.”

Arsenal have been very cautious during the summer transfer window and they have now suffered an unexpected setback with Merino on the sidelines.

The club have sold Emile Smith Rowe and loaned out Fabio Vieira this summer. Merino was expected to fill the void, but he will need to wait for his debut.

The Gunners are actively looking for a versatile winger on deadline day. They could be tempted to sign a new midfielder too before the transfer window closes tonight.