Arsenal blow as new signing Mikel Merino set to miss TWO MONTHS after injury in very first Gunners training session

MIKEL MERINO is set to miss TWO MONTHS out injured after suffering a fractured shoulder in his first ever training session for Arsenal.

Merino, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad last week for £32.6m, was involved in a collision with Gabriel Magalhaes - leaving him with a nasty injury.

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The 28-year-old isn't expected to be back in action until the middle of October.

Merino watched from the stands as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday.

The Spain international could be seen wearing a sling as a result of his knock.

Mikel Arteta had previously said the injury would see Merino miss "weeks", but it now appears to be worse than first feared.

Speaking in his press conference last Friday, Arteta said: "It is unfortunate. Yesterday he had a collision and he got a shoulder injury.

"It looks as though he could be out for a few weeks. It was his first session.

"We were all very excited and everything was looking good but he landed on the floor and has a small fracture.

"This is football. We have tried to do all the things we wanted."

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There is said to be hope that Merino could have a chance of returning to the pitch after the October international break, which will end on October 15.

Arsenal take on Bournemouth on October 20 and Shakhtar Donestk in the midweek Champions League fixtures after the international break.

The Gunners have already been hit with absences in midfield after Declan Rice was suspended for their upcoming North London derby.

Rice will miss the feisty Spurs clash after getting a controversial red card against Brighton at the weekend.

Summer exits for Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny already left Arsenal short in the middle of the park regardless.