Mikel Merino

Merino (foot) is out of his boot and starting to exercise again, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "He's out of his boot now. He's doing quite a lot of exercises already. He's reacted really well to the surgery. He's got no pain. It's more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I'm sure there is a chance to make that period shorter. If there is a person who can do it, I'm sure that's going to be Mikel again."

Merino (foot) successfully underwent surgery and has begun a lengthy recovery process that is expected to take several months, coach Mikel Arteta said in the press conference. "I think the doctors were really happy with the way the surgery went. Now it's the start of obviously a long process, we're talking about bone healing. So, we'll respect the timings, and I'm sure he's going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery. The timeframes we're talking about are months - whether it's three, four or five, we don't know."

Merino (foot) has received his surgery and is hoping to return to end the season, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per Tom Canton of Football London. "Well, we hope [he is available to end the season]. Let's see. It's a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How that reacts daily. Obviously, monitor it throughout the week for the surgery. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quick as possible. But, as well, he has to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it's an injury that is quite rare."

Merino (foot) has suffered a bone injury and is set for surgery, according to his club. "Mikel will have surgery in the coming days [on a bone injury in his right foot] and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season."

Merino (foot) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, coach Mikel Arteta said to the media. "He's got an issue in his foot. It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out."