Mikel Merino has returned to light training ahead of Arsenal’s match against Leicester City this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. The summer signing has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in his first training session at the end of August.
“Tomorrow is too soon; the next week, we will see,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “He had partial training today. He’s been working so hard and looks good. It’s just about the bone healing enough to handle contact.”
Arteta praised Merino’s dedication and enthusiasm. “We’re trying to keep him in the cage because he’s been pushing everyone—the physios, doctors, everybody! He really wants to play.” The team is cautiously optimistic and might soon expose him to full-contact training.
In other team news, goalkeeper David Raya remains doubtful due to a thigh issue sustained during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Arteta is waiting 24 hours to assess his condition before making a decision on his availability.
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“It’s not about risk. Either a player is fit, or he’s not,” Arteta said. If Raya misses out, Neto, the summer loan signing from Bournemouth, could step in for his debut. Additionally, there’s positive news on defender Jurrien Timber, who participated in training and could be available for selection, along with Ben White.
Takehiro Tomiyasu also made progress with his knee injury, though Arteta admitted his recovery timeline remains uncertain. Lastly, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who hobbled off in the Carabao Cup match, has been cleared of any serious injury. “He’s fine; it was just cramping,” Arteta reassured fans.