In an unfortunate twist for Arsenal, new signing Mikel Merino has suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks. The news was confirmed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a recent press conference.
The Incident: How It Happened
The injury occurred during a training session when Merino, who had recently joined the Gunners, had a collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhães. According to Arteta, the incident unfolded as Merino landed awkwardly on the ground, with Gabriel unintentionally landing on top of him. The impact caused a significant injury to Merino’s shoulder, with early indications pointing to a possible fracture.
Arteta’s Reaction
Mikel Arteta, visibly disappointed, addressed the press about the injury. “He has a shoulder injury, and it looks like he will be out for a few weeks,” Arteta stated. The Arsenal boss further added, “He landed on the floor, and Gabi landed on top of him. It’s a fracture probably; he’s been really unfortunate.”
The timing of this injury is particularly frustrating for both Merino and Arsenal, as the midfielder was expected to play a key role in the team’s upcoming fixtures. Arteta’s comments suggest that the club will need to adjust their plans while Merino recovers.
Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield
Merino’s absence is a significant blow to Arsenal’s midfield depth. The Spaniard, known for his versatility and ability to control the tempo of the game, was brought in to add strength and creativity to Arsenal’s engine room. With him sidelined, Arteta will have to rely on other options, which could see players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard shouldering more responsibility.
While the injury is a setback for Mikel Merino and Arsenal, the hope is that the recovery period will be swift, and he will return stronger. The Gunners have a packed schedule ahead, and Merino’s presence will be missed. However, Arsenal fans will be hoping that the team can rally in his absence and that Merino makes a full recovery soon.
Get Well Soon, Mikel!
This injury is a tough break for Merino, but with Arsenal’s medical team on the case, he should be back on the pitch in due time. The club and its supporters will be eager to see him recover and contribute to what promises to be an exciting season ahead.