Why is Mikel Merino not playing for Arsenal?

MIKEL MERINO signed for Arsenal in long-awaited £32m transfer after winning Euro 2024 with Spain.

But Gunners fans will have to wait a little longer to see the midfielder's debut for the club.

Why is Mikel Merino not playing for Arsenal?

Mikel Merino suffered a fractured shoulder in his very first training session with Arsenal.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Merino, 28, picked up the injury in a freak accident after colliding with defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

And Arteta has said he will now be out for "a few weeks".

Merino has also not been called up to the Spain squad for the upcoming international break.

Arteta said: "It's unfortunate. He has a shoulder injury and it looks like he will be out for a few weeks.

"He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him, it's a fracture probably."

Merino signed for the Gunners from Real Sociedad after months of speculation over the move.

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The Spain star was Arsenal's third signing of the summer transfer window, after Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and David Raya's permanent move from Brentford.

Arteta said upon the completion of Merino's transfer: "Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.

"As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament."