Injury Crisis Hits Arsenal Ahead of North London Derby
Arsenal’s preparations for the North London Derby have hit a snag, with Mikel Arteta potentially facing the prospect of being without a fourth key player for the crucial clash against Tottenham.
Mikel Merino, the club’s summer signing, is the latest addition to the growing injury list, which could leave Arsenal significantly weakened when they take on their fierce rivals.
Merino, who recently joined Arsenal in a £32 million move from Real Sociedad, suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session at London Colney.
The 28-year-old midfielder collided with Gabriel Magalhaes, leading to a fractured deltoid that is expected to keep him sidelined for nearly two months.
This untimely injury means that Merino is set to miss the much-anticipated derby, adding to Arteta’s growing concerns.
The Gunners are already dealing with the suspension of star midfielder Declan Rice, who was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Additionally, both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are nursing injuries, with their availability for the Tottenham match still in doubt.
Arteta, known for his meticulous planning, now faces a significant challenge in assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level against Ange Postecoglou’s high-flying Tottenham.
However, there is a glimmer of hope, as Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber may return to action in time for the derby, offering some much-needed reinforcement.
Arsenal’s fan base will be anxiously awaiting further updates as the international break draws to a close, hoping that the injury woes do not derail their ambitions this season.
The North London Derby is always a fiercely contested affair, and Arteta will need every available resource to secure a positive result.
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