Mikel Arteta could turn to summer signing this weekend with several injury doubts pointing to a potential first start of the season. The 28-year-old arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window but is yet to start a game for the club.
Merino’s start to the season was disrupted after he suffered a shoulder injury in one of his first training sessions with the club. He made his comeback as a second-half substitute against Paris Saint-Germain in the at the start of the month.
He made his bow four days later, playing almost half an hour of after coming off the bench. Merino has continued to build up his game time during the international break.
The midfielder has been in action for Spain in the Nations League. He came off the bench to play 28 minutes in the 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday, he was then named in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Serbia where he played 65 minutes.
He will now return to Arsenal in preparation for Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth (5.30pm kick-off). Ahead of the match, Arteta has a few injury worries with , , and withdrawing from international duty.
While it’s hopeful that at least some could make a comeback in time for the game, may still turn to Merino instead of taking a chance. is one player who will definitely be out, with Partey potentially covering at right-back and him himself being an injury doubt, there is a space available next to .
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
That is sometimes filled with Havertz, who could move from striker to his more natural midfield role. That would mean Gabriel Jesus starting up top.
However, the injury doubts over the German international means that playing Merino may be the most sensible option. The fact that the Spanish international was able to start and last over an hour for Spain this week means that he should now have proven his fitness to be named in the Arsenal starting XI.
You may also like
Wetherspoons to shut historic pub that 'feels like home' for the final time next month
The Bill cast unrecognisable 40 years after crime show debut
Meet Thomas Tuchel: England's New Head Coach Aiming for 2026 FIFA World Cup Glory
Chhattisgarh to begin paddy procurement from Nov 14, launches measures to curb illegal liquor sales
Channel 4's A Place In The Sun confirms future as they offer new update
UAE's retirement income system improves global score
Six killed, 43 injured in Israeli airstrike on municipal building in Lebanon
Save almost £100 on 'super comfortable' platform sheepskin slippers as they get price slashed in sale
Delhi Ridge tree-felling: SC asks L-G to file personal affidavit in contempt proceedings
Inside dream home for commuters that's literally inside a train station
Zambia intensifies efforts to combat online scams
Amazon confirms biggest-ever Kindle refresh including something that's totally new
One of the best action movies of all time is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Avoid 'most expensive time of the day' to wash laundry and opt for 'magic hour' instead
The £12bn airport named 'world's best' that's even got its own 'mini-forest'
Over 1.4 million North Korea youngsters apply to join army following drone incursion incident: Report
Fatima Sana Shaikh shares candid pics with her 'fam' from Dharamshala vacation
Nigella Lawson's 'correct way' to butter toast has completely baffled fans
Only 1 per cent of people can find the mistake in this watch face in less than 11 seconds
'Magic way' to clean your skirting boards and leave them dust-free for good using unusual product