One of Arsenal’s key summer signings is set to be given the chance to step up for a crucial period of the season as the club’s injury woes mount. After a prolonged pursuit, Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino signed from Real Sociedad in late August for a £27million fee, only for his career in north London to suffer an immediate blow.
In his first training session Merino, 28, fractured his shoulder in an accidental collision with team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes.
The injury ruled him out for the whole of September, with the Spaniard finally making his debut as a substitute in the 2-0 league phase win over PSG in the Champions League.
