Arsenal suffer heavy blow as summer signing Mikel Merino is set to be sidelined for nearly TWO months - after he suffered a fractured shoulder in his first training session

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is set to miss close to two months with the fractured shoulder suffered in his first training session after joining.

Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Merino was facing a spell on the sidelines after the midfielder was involved in a collision with centre back Gabriel Magalhaes at the club’s London Colney HQ.

And the Spain international is not expected back until the middle of October at the earliest in news that arrives as a major blow to the Gunners.

There is hope Merino will have a chance to return after the October international break.

Arsenal face Bournemouth on October 19 before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League the following midweek.

The 28-year-old only signed for the club at the start of last week, in a swoop from Real Sociedad worth £31.6million.

Merino’s prolonged absence poses an immediate problem for Arteta ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on September 15.

Declan Rice is suspended for the game against Ange Postcoglou’s side following his controversial red card against Brighton on Saturday leaving Arteta with hole in his midfield.

Merino would have been a strong contender to feature in the clash in Rice’s absence, but his injury leaves Arteta looking at alternative options.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have rejected a shock £29.5million bid for Leandro Trossard from Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad.

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.