Mikel Merino Arsenal Injury Update: Debut Possibility Nears Ahead of Man City Clash
Mikel Merino, Arsenal’s summer signing from Real Sociedad, is edging closer to his long-awaited debut after being sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained during his first training session with the Gunners.
Merino, who joined for £32.67 million, suffered a small fracture after colliding with Gabriel Magalhães during training in August.
Initially ruled out for around six weeks, the Spanish midfielder is expected to return to full fitness in mid-October, although a November return remains a possibility in the worst-case scenario.
Merino has been progressing well, recently appearing in public without his arm sling, and his presence at team events like David Raya’s birthday and the Arsenal photoshoot has shown that he is integrating well into the squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has kept Merino close to the team during his recovery, as the midfielder continues to settle into life at the club.
While Merino won’t be available for Arsenal’s crucial clash against Manchester City this weekend, the Gunners are hopeful he can be eased back into the squad after the international break.
Arsenal’s fixture against Bournemouth on October 19th, followed by a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, presents possible opportunities for Merino to make his debut.
The end of October and early November feature challenging games against Liverpool, Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, giving Arteta multiple options to gradually reintroduce the midfielder into the lineup.
Mikel Merino Arsenal Injury Update: Debut Possibility Nears Ahead of Man City Clash
