Arsenal are expected to be without Mikel Merino for a ‘sustained spell’ because of a foot injury.
The Gunners bounced back from their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United to expire 4-0 victors over Leeds on Saturday, with Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus all heading in the right direction at Elland Road.
But having come on in its place against United, Merino was omitted of Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad to face Leeds.
‘He’s got a difficulty in his foot,’ Arsenal head coach Arteta told reporters when asked about Merino’s surprise absence.
‘It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we’ve got some exams, we want some more specialists to take a look at it and to see how long he will probably be out.’
In response to the BBC, the Spain international is ready for a ‘sustained spell on the sidelines’, which comes as a big blow to the Premier League leaders at what is an important stage of the season.
The report claims the severity and exact nature of Merino’s issue will probably be made clear over the subsequent 48 hours, with the midfielder more likely to be missing for ‘quite a few weeks’.
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