Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a significant selection headache following the international break, with Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino potentially losing his starting position despite impressive recent performances.
Injury crisis forces tactical innovation
The Gunners have been grappling with one of the Premier League's most extensive injury lists, missing several first-team regulars who would typically command starting positions. This crisis forced Arteta to deploy Merino in an unfamiliar auxiliary striker role during recent fixtures against Slavia Prague and Sunderland.
The 29-year-old Spaniard seized his opportunity brilliantly, earning praise from pundit Pat Nevin who described his displays as 'fantastic'. Merino contributed two crucial goals in the Champions League clash against Slavia Prague and provided an assist during the 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
Returning stars threaten Merino's place
Arteta's selection dilemma emerges from the anticipated return of multiple attacking players to full training. Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres are all expected to be available for selection when domestic football resumes.
This creates intense competition for places, particularly concerning Merino who has started Arsenal's last two matches. With specialist forwards returning to fitness, the versatile midfielder faces being pushed back into his natural position, where he must compete with captain Martin Odegaard for minutes.
Arteta's admiration for his versatile star
The Arsenal manager has consistently expressed his admiration for Merino's contribution to the squad. Speaking via Arsenal's official website, Arteta highlighted the player's value beyond mere statistics.
'It's a joy to have him,' Arteta stated. 'It's his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do, it's his mindset, it's his leadership, it's the way he is as a person.'
Arteta explained the tactical thinking behind deploying Merino in an advanced role: 'We had to find different solutions today as we're missing a lot of attacking players. He comes in the Champions League and scores two goals. My view was always that he had really good timing and the capacity to finish in the box.'
The immediate test comes with Tottenham's visit to the Emirates Stadium for the season's first North London derby. While Merino travels with the Spanish national team during the break, he may return to find his hard-earned starting position occupied by teammates who remained in London to complete their rehabilitation.
Despite Arteta's clear appreciation for Merino's adaptability and professionalism, the return of established stars creates a formidable selection challenge that could see the Spaniard returning to bench duties when Premier League action resumes on the other side of the international break.
