Mikel Arteta Faces North London Derby Selection Dilemma Amid Arsenal’s Lengthy Injury and Suspension List

The international break may well have come at the optimal time for Mikel Arteta. The latest Arsenal injury update revealing a troubling list of problems less than a fortnight before the first North London derby of the season.

Arsenal Injury Update

Mikel Merino

Match-going fans with hopes of seeing Mikel Merino in the flesh for the first time were left disappointed over the weekend.

The 28-year-old, who not long after completing his switch from Real Sociedad this summer, found himself on the receiving end of a heavy blow from defender Gabriel – something I’m sure many players in the division can attest to.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, it left his shoulder in “so much pain” according to Mikel Arteta and the feeling is it could be a slight fracture.

A potential return date is unknown, but it is likely he will be ruled out until at least after the North London derby on the 15th September.

Gabriel Jesus

Just the fifth injury for Gabriel Jesus since joining Arsenal, so nothing new here.

The good news is Arteta provided a positive update on his progress, and it seems recovery from a groin problem puts him on a collision course with Tottenham post-international break.

He said: “He’s progressing really well. He had a muscle injury, and he’s doing quite a lot of the stuff already, so we expect him to be with us really soon.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Another name who is no stranger to the Arsenal medical table is Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The addition of Riccardo Calafiori has allowed the Gunners notable breathing space in the full-back department; likely with one eye on the persistent injury problems faced by Tomiyasu.

His combative presence is always welcomed, but this latest injury setback appears more serious than initially thought.

Arteta was unable to provide a timescale on his recovery, admitting “he’s not done any training yet” and “it’s difficult to say” when the Japanese international will return.

Declan Rice Red Card

The most controversial chapter on matchday three saw Declan Rice sent off for the first time in his career after appearing to nudge the ball away, infringing on a Brighton free-kick in the process.

Despite the uproar, Rice will now be unavailable for the 15th September when Arsenal hop across North London to Spurs.

What that means for the line-up is unclear, but it could see Thomas Partey deployed in the defensive midfield role.