Mikel Arteta reveals early Mikel Merino injury blow

Mikel Arteta has revealed new Arsenal signing Mikel Merino is facing “a few weeks” out of action.

Merino sealed a reported £27.4m move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this week following a lengthy pursuit.

But the former Real Sociedad midfielder suffered an injury during a training ground collision with Gunners defender Gabriel.

“Yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury,” said Arteta.

“It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.

“He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.”

Arsenal will be aiming to rack up a hat-trick of Premier League wins at the start of the new season at home to Brighton on Saturday.