Arsenal are vying to get back to winning ways after their dramatic draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week. The Gunners are now feeling the pressure with some key absences in their squad and gave an interesting update on the situation of midfielder Mikel Merino.
Arsenal Make Mikel Merino Injury Return Prediction
What Did Mikel Arteta Say About Merino?
Merino joined the North London outfit in the summer transfer window from Real Sociedad, adding more steel and quality to their depth in midfield. But the Spaniard was extremely unfortunate to pick up a nasty shoulder injury in training, which has seen his potential debut for the London heavyweights delayed.
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But Mikel Arteta gave an interesting update on when fans can expect Merino to finally make his first appearance for Arsenal, as he stated: “Tomorrow (against Leicester City) is too soon, the next week we will see. He had partial training today, he’s been working so hard and is looking good. It is just about the healing of that bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact.
“We’re trying to keep him in the cage because he’s been pushing everybody, the physios, doctors, everybody! And he’s ready to go, he really wants it. I think we are comfortable now to start exposing him to contact and he looked really good in training.”
When Could Merino Make His Debut?
Going by Arteta’s latest update, it looks like the Spanish midfielder could make his Arsenal debut after the upcoming October international break. He might have an outside chance of featuring in the Gunners’ next Champions League clash against PSG or the game against Southampton at home before the next international break.
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Merino is not the only player currently out of action for the Gunners. They are also missing influential playmaker and captain Martin Odegaard after he picked up an injury in the recent international break. Leandro Trossard is also suspended against Leicester for his sending-off against Manchester City. But Arsenal fans will desperately hope that Merino, who has been hailed for his “amazing” professionalism, will regain full fitness to add some energy and physicality to their midfield soon.
