Arsenal are looking to make it three wins out of three when they take on Brighton in their Premier League clash this afternoon – but will be without their latest signing Mikel Merino.
The Spain international completed his switch to north London on Tuesday in a deal worth an initial £27.4million.
But Mikel Arteta revealed his latest addition has suffered an injury in his first very training session with the club.
Merino suffered what is suspected to be a fractured shoulder after an incident in training where Gabriel Magalhaes landed on top of his new teammate, facing a ‘few weeks out’ while the club determine the severity of the injury.
Takehiro Tomiyasu meanwhile is sidelined with a knee problem and is still to return to training.
Gabriel Jesus missed last week’s win over Aston Villa with a groin injury and while Arteta is optimistic he is not facing a long lay-off, he is not in contention to make the squad tomorrow.
Arteta made just one change to his side last time out at Villa Park with Jurrien Timber replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back. The two offer different qualities in that position with Arteta preferring the defensive nous of the Dutchman against Villa’s forward line.
Riccardo Calafiori came onto make his debut in the second-half replacing Timber, swiftly winning over supporters in the 11 minutes he was on the pitch.
The Italy international is another option to slot into that left-back role and could have the perfect opportunity to do so and make his full debut at home on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard replaced the reserved Gabriel Martinelli on Saturday and had an immediate impact, putting his side ahead two minutes after entering the fray.
The Belgium international offered the guile and invention Martinelli’s performances having been lacking as of late and will feel he has done more than enough to force his way into the side.
Kai Havertz has been tasked with leading the line so far this term and is likely continue in that role.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Brighton
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Where to watch Arsenal vs Brighton? Kick-off time and TV channel
Arsenal vs Brighton kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday 24 August.
Live coverage is available on TNT Sports 1 and on the Discovery+ app.
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