Mikel Merino sends Arsenal clear warning to replace Martin Odegaard after last injury update

The latest information regarding the attacking midfield was indeed that his issue could see him miss the next period of games, and that targeting the penultimate month of the year would be a safer bet. In his absence, Arsenal have tried both Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the role for different games with varying levels of success.

Arsenal have dealt with numerous fitness issues and are only now benefiting from the return of several key figures. One such player is Mikel Merino, who has come on in back-to-back matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton having recovered from a shoulder injury.

He started for Spain in their 3-0 win over Serbia on Tuesday night, playing in front of former la Real teammate Martin Zubimendi and PSG's Fabian Ruiz. In this role, he excelled and responses from Spain and Arsenal supporters alike flooded social media with praise.

He played direct, linking up with Alvaro Morata and supporting the attack. With a trip for Arsenal this weekend to Bournemouth, it could be Merino starts in midfield with both Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.

On paper this appears rather defensive; however, in Mikel Arteta's system it might instead create some unpredictability to put off opponents. Liverpool are notoriously strong in attack with options like Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

However, their midfield has received scrutiny and should the aforementioned trio find a partnership in the games with the Cherries and Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, it could be a perfect combination to win the middle third and shut off the service to the Reds' attack. There is little time to trial it and Arteta has shown caution when it comes to making major changes, but the reward has great upsides.