Arsenal 'huge' £32m summer signing to miss key Spurs and Bolton Wanderers clashes

Arsenal have been hit with a significant injury blow in news that summer signing Mikel Merino will be sidelined for weeks, delaying his Gunners debut having completed a £31.6 million move from Real Sociedad this week.

The 28-year-old has suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session with the North London club, as confirmed by Mikel Arteta in a press conference on Friday. Merino had been set to make his Arsenal debut against Brighton on Saturday.

Arteta, who is yet to learn the full extent of the injury, said: "Very unfortunate. Yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury unfortunately. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.

“First session. He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi [Magalhaes] landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.

“We have to see [how long he will be out]. He was in so much pain. We’ll have to do some more tests on that and then we’ll have more conclusive answers.”

News of a potential fracture won't fill Arsenal supporters with too much hope of an imminent return. After Brighton this weekend, the Gunners visit North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league on September 15 before a Carabao Cup meeting with League One outfit Bolton Wanderers.

Merino, who joined Arsenal having impressed at Euro 2024 for Spain this summer, was hailed as a 'player with huge quality' by Arteta when signing for the side this week. The Gunners boss added: "He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. 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. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”

Arsenal will also be without Gabriel Jesus against Brighton. The striker picked up a groin injury last week but is 'progressing really well'. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also sidelined with a knee injury.