Gabriel Jesus will also play no part in the game due to a groin injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu is still out with a knee issue.
“Very unfortunate,” Mikel Arteta said about Merino’s injury. “Yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury unfortunately. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.
“First session. He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.”
It means Arsenal may well name the same team who beat Aston Villa 2-0 last weekend at Villa Park.
There could be a change on the bench, though, as Aaron Ramsdale has left to join Southampton for £25million.
Tommy Setford, who joined this summer from Ajax for £1m, is expected to be on the bench as back-up to David Raya.
The 18-year-old was signed as a player for the academy, but Arsenal had not completed the signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto in time to be on the bench against Saints.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Injured: Jesus (groin), Merino (shoulder) and Tomiyasu (knee)
Time and date: 12.30pm BST on Saturday, August 31, 2024
Venue: Emirates Stadium
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