Mikel Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, broke his shoulder on his first practice after signing, and will be out for about two months.

Following a collision with centre back Gabriel Magalhaes at the team’s London Colney headquarters, Mikel Arteta revealed on Friday that Merino will be out for some time.

Additionally, the news that comes as a serious setback to the Gunners is that the Spain international is not anticipated back until at least mid-October.

After the international break in October, there is hope that Merino may have another opportunity to play.

On October 19, Arsenal plays Bournemouth. The next day, they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The 28-year-old merely joined the team at the beginning of last week after making a £31.6 million transfer from Real Sociedad.

Prior to the North London derby against Tottenham on September 15, Arteta is facing an immediate challenge due to Merino’s extended absence.

Declan Rice’s contentious red card against Brighton on Saturday has left Arteta with a hole in his midfield as he is sidelined for the match against Ange Postcoglou’s team.

In Rice’s absence, Merino would have been a serious contender to play in the match, but his ιnjury forces Arteta to consider other possibilities.

Al Ittihad, the dominant team in the Saudi Pro League, made a startling £29.5 million offer for Leandro Trossard, but the Gunners turned it down.

The transfer window in Saudi Arabia is still open and Trossard has emerged as a target for the cash-rich league.

But the surprise offer has been turned down by Arteta, who does not want to lose any more attacking players despite signing Raheem Sterling on deadline day.