Mikel Arteta is without a number of forwards for Arsenal’s clash against Sunderland
Arsenal Football Newsletter
The Gunners are currently without all three of their recognised strikers as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are injured.
Merino is expected to play as a No9 in their absence and he did so against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, scoring twice.
“He’s such an intelligent and competitive player that he can adapt to any position,” said Mikel Arteta.
“Because, first of all, he’s so willing to do his very best, to understand what he needs to do. He’s always asking questions, and he’s a winner.
“Wherever he plays, the only thing he wants is to win, to contribute to the team. And when you have that mindset, things normally go well for you.”
Arsenal will also be without Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard on Saturday, while Noni Madueke is a doubt, too.
Backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks unlikely to be involved as well after missing the win in Prague.
Mikel Merino is set to lead the line for Arsenal against Sunderland
Riccardo Calafiori is expected to come back into the defence in place of Piero Hincapie.
Martin Zubimendi missed Tuesday’s game due to suspension and will return to the base of midfield.
Eberechi Eze was named on the bench in Prague after starting the last six games in a row for Arsenal. He will hope to come back into the team in place of Ethan Nwaneri.
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Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Injured: Arrizabalaga, Gyokeres, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard
Time and date: 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, November 8, 2025
Venue: Stadium of Light
How to watch: Sky Sports