New Arsenal signing Mikel Merino is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury during his first training session with the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the Spaniard would be out for a ‘few weeks’ at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Brighton.
The Arsenal boss confirmed that the Spain international midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad earlier this week, sustained the setback in training when defender Gabriel Magalhaes fell on him.
Arteta said: ‘It’s very unfortunate. Yesterday (Thursday) he had a collision and he’s got a shoulder injury and it looks like he’ll be out for a few weeks.
‘It was in his first session with us. It’s really bad luck, we were all excited, everything was looking good. He landed on the floor, Gabriel fell on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture.
‘He was in so much pain, we have to see. He’ll do more tests which will have more conclusive answers.’
Merino was pictured in the stands prior to kick-off against the Seagulls wearing a sling on his right arm and, according to The Athletic, the 28-year-old could be out for up to two months.
Fellow new signing, Raheem Sterling, was also in attendance after joining the Gunners in the final hours of the transfer window.
‘We are very happy with what we have done. Now we can focus on the match,’ Arteta told TNT Sport before the match.
‘We all know the qualities. It’s a big step for us. We have brought in a top talent who has a lot of experience who can contribute to the team in a big way.
‘He has got these numbers because he was playing under a great manager with great players around them. If we do that he is going to score goals and cause issues for the opponent.’
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