Arsenal are unable to recall Ethan Nwaneri from his loan spell at Marseille in order to solve the headache created by Mikel Merinio’s injury.
The Spain internatioanl will undergo surgery for a foot injury sustained during a 3-2 loss to Manchester United last week, the club said on Sunday.
Merino was absent during Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Leeds United on Saturday and the north London club said Merino will be out of action for an indefinite period, after medical reviews confirmed a bone injury on his right foot.
‘Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme,’ Arsenal said in a statement on their website.
‘Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.’
The former Real Sociedad star, one Mikel Arteta’s most trusted foot soldiers, added on Instagram: ‘Time to sotop now with a foot injury.
‘Sometimes life throws this kind of challenges when it is less convenient. Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team and together we will come back stronger.
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‘Thank you all, your support means everything to me and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch soon, helping my team and doing what I love.’
A lengthy absence for the 29-year-old represents a major headache for Arteta given his experience.
Arsenal are now scouring the market on deadline day for cover and have already been linked with a shock move for Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle have rejected the idea of their midfielder moving on deadline day, while Arsenal will be unable to bring Nwaneri back to north London given the terms of his loan deal.
The teenager boasts vastly different qualities to those of Merino, but the game time that was in such short supply during the first half the campaign would now have been available.
Arsenal will, however, have to pursue alternative options with the gifted midfielder set to continue his development in Ligue 1 for the remainder of the season.
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