Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been forced to cope with the absence of two midfield stars for their trip to Bournemouth after the international break. But the stellar displays from their midfield general Mikel Merino will be a small matter of celebration as the summer signing prepares for his full debut at the Vitality Stadium.
Merino joined the Gunners in a £32million transfer from Real Sociedad in August, a deal that Arteta fought hard for as the north London side bolstered their midfield.
Sporting director Edu Gaspar even flew to Spain to thrash out a deal with the Basque club's senior officials and finalised the move just five days before the end of the transfer window.
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The Spain international endured a whirlwind summer after winning Euro 2024 before his switch to the Emirates, but he was brought back down to earth with the realisation that he would be starting the season on the bench.
Declan Rice and Thomas Partey had been earmarked as Arteta's starting midfield pairing, with captain Martin Odegaard given a free role further ahead. Merino needed time to build his fitness anyway, and that would be achieved through brief substitute appearances.
But the plan changed when Odegaard suffered an ankle ligament injury during the September international break, which forced Arteta to shuffle the pack.
Then Partey pulled out of Ghana's squad earlier this month with "medical issues" cited, making him a doubt for their Premier League clash.
But Arteta still had another ace up his sleeve after Merino recovered from a shoulder problem that delayed his debut - allowing him to bring his new man into the first team for some important fixtures.
The 28-year-old made his debut during the second half of the 2-0 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain and put in a solid display, making three tackles and completing 86 per cent of his passes. He was ranked second for tackles in the Arsenal side, despite playing only 26 minutes.
Four days later, he was summoned from the bench again in the 61st minute as Arsenal looked to find a winner against Southampton. They went on to win 3-1, and Merino's defensive contribution was off the charts; he was ranked second for successful tackles and interceptions, while joint first for blocks.
It is never easy for any player to be thrown into the engine room with an hour gone, but Merino looked composed in possession. It's also clear from his early performances that, as a midfield powerhouse, he can bring a level of aggression to the table that the leaner Jorginho can't.
Only two months into his second Premier League stint, the ex-Newcastle United passer has already demonstrated how his experience will be crucial - especially with Odegaard injured and Partey potentially sidelined - in helping keep a relatively youthful Arsenal side on track for the title.
