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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Merino signed for £31m ($41m)</li><li>Yet to make his debut for the club</li><li>Injured his shoulder in training</li></ul>

Nightmare for Arsenal! Mikel Arteta's side dealt hammer blow as summer signing Mikel Merino is ruled out for TWO MONTHS

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<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13804925/Arsenal-summer-signing-Mikel-Merino-sidelined-TWO-months.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a> reports that Merino is set to miss up to two months after fracturing his shoulder in his first training session with the club. Mikel Arteta <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/mikel-merino-injury-heartbreak-arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-32m-summer-signing-debut-delayed/blt2627ace2dd787430" target="_blank">confirmed that the big-money signing from Real Sociedad had been injured in an inadvertent clash with Gabriel in training</a>, and he is now set for a prolonged absence.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Merino was Arsenal's marquee midfield signing but the 28-year-old could be out for a significant period. The earliest date of a potential return appears to be the middle of October, but there is also the prospect of a lay-off until early November. The Gunners are hopeful he could return after next month's international break, potentially in a clash with Bournemouth on October 20.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Merino is a Spain international with 28 caps, and was a remarkably consistent player for Sociedad. During his time at the club, he made a total of 242 appearances.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arteta will have some decisions to make when Arsenal take on Spurs after the international break. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/why-declan-rice-red-card-brighton-hove-albion-arsenal-premier-league/blt68fd6ebacd69e700" target="_blank">Declan Rice is suspended</a>, while Merino is also unavailable.

WHAT NEXT?

Nightmare for Arsenal! Mikel Arteta's side dealt hammer blow as summer signing Mikel Merino is ruled out for TWO MONTHS | Goal.com

Arsenal&apos;s summer signing Mikel Merino has been ruled out for up to two months after injuring his shoulder, according to a new report.

Nightmare for Arsenal! Mikel Arteta&apos;s side dealt hammer blow as summer signing Mikel Merino is ruled out for TWO MONTHS