Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal’s new signing Mikel Merino is set to be sidelined for ‘a few weeks’ after sustaining a suspected shoulder fracture
this week from Real Sociedad for a fee that could rise to £32.6m and had been in contention to make his debut as a substitute against Brighton on Saturday. But in a major blow to the club’s plans, Merino was injured in a collision with the defender Gabriel Magalhães on Thursday.“It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks,” said the Arsenal manager. “He was really excited and everything was looking really good.
“But actually, that is what happened and now let’s use the time that we have, right now, to make sure he is familiar with everything that we are doing, how we live and what we expect of him, about our team dynamics. He will be in every team meeting as well. We will use the time in the best possible way and in a few weeks he will be ready.”
Gabriel Jesus is not in contention to face Brighton as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. Arteta hopes the academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri can help provide cover in attacking areas. Arteta paid tribute to Aaron Ramsdale, who has joined Southampton. The goalkeeper will cost £18m up front, with Arsenal set to receive up to £6m in add-ons, including a £1m bonus if Southampton avoid relegation.
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