Table of Contents
Arsenal fans are in uproar after the club’s latest high-profile signing, Mikel Merino, was ruled out for up to two months due to a shoulder injury sustained in his first training session with the Gunners. The news has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, who were eagerly anticipating the Spanish midfielder’s debut.
Merino Injured: A Nightmare Start
Mikel Merino’s Arsenal career has hit a stumbling block before it even began. The £31 million signing from Real Sociedad suffered a fractured shoulder during an unfortunate collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhães in training. The injury occurred in Merino’s first session with the squad, adding to the bitter disappointment for the players and fans.
According to reports, Merino is expected to be sidelined for up to two months, with a potential return date in mid-October or early November. This means the 28-year-old will miss a crucial part of the season, including important fixtures like the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Fan Outrage: Disappointment and Frustration Boil Over
Arsenal supporters have not received the news of Merino’s injury well. Fans have taken to social media and online forums to express their frustration, with many questioning the club’s luck and preparation.
“I can’t believe it! We spent £31 million on a player who’s out before he even kicks a ball for us,” wrote one frustrated fan on Twitter. Another added, “This is typical Arsenal. We finally get a solid signing, and now he’s out for two months. We’re cursed!”
Supporters are particularly concerned about the impact this will have on the team’s performance, especially with Declan Rice also suspended for the next match. The timing of Merino’s injury couldn’t be worse, leaving Mikel Arteta with limited options in midfield during a critical stretch of the season.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With Merino sidelined and other key players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus also dealing with injuries, Mikel Arteta faces a daunting task in keeping Arsenal competitive. The Gunners, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, are now under pressure to maintain their position without their new marquee signing.
Arteta will need to explore alternative midfield options and may have to rely on younger or less experienced players to step up in the coming weeks. The club is hopeful that Merino can return after the October international break, potentially in time for the clash against Bournemouth on October 20.
For now, Arsenal fans are left to ponder what might have been, as their new star faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines before he can make his much-anticipated debut.
