Mikel Merino injury revealed by Mikel Arteta as Arsenal star set for spell on sidelines

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal new boy Mikel Merino has picked up an injury that will keep him out of action for a number of weeks. The Spanish midfielder only joined the Gunners on Tuesday but has already been sidelined by a nasty collision in training.

Arteta revealed the news in Friday's press conference, saying: "Yes, very unfortunate. Yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.

"He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture, probably."

Merino would have been hoping to make his Arsenal debut in this weekend's game against Brighton, but he will instead be forced to wait. He was left out of the Spain squad earlier this week, fuelling rumours that he had picked up an injury before the news was officially confirmed.

Arteta also said that Gabriel Jesus will not be available to face Brighton due to a groin injury sustained before last weekend's victory over Aston Villa. He will be hoping to return after the international break if everything goes to plan over the coming weeks.

With just hours until the end of the transfer window, Arteta was inevitably quizzed on potential incomings but kept his cards close to his chest. He also refused to speak about the possibility of Raheem Sterling moving to Arsenal amid speculation that he could join before the deadline.

Asked for his thoughts on Aaron Ramsdale's permanent move to Southampton, which was confirmed earlier on Friday, Arteta replied: "Thank you so much for what he’s done for the club, for the team and for myself. He brought a lot of joy and charisma and was really good when he joined.

"He had a situation that was really good for him. He insisted that he’s really joyful when he plays and we tried to arrange that."

Arteta did suggest that a new goalkeeper could arrive in north London, with reports suggesting that a deal has been agreed to sign Bournemouth stopper Neto on loan until the end of the season. He said: "It’s clear that we have lost Karl [Hein] and Aaron so we have to replace them both."

Arsenal kicked off their summer business by bringing David Raya back to the club on a permanent basis, with Riccardo Calafiori also joining from Bologna. Merino became Arsenal's third summer signing earlier this week, arriving from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £32million including add-ons.