Mikel Merino
29-Year-Old
Arsenal
Premier
GTD
Injury Foot
Est. Return 5/24/2026
Returns to training
Merino was spotted in team training Thursday, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
ANALYSIS
Merino had been ruled out of Sunday's clash against West Ham as he was still not fully ready to return from his long term foot injury, but his return to collective training Thursday is an encouraging development heading into the season finale against Crystal Palace Sunday and the most important fixture of Arsenal's season in nine days. The focus for the Spanish midfielder is firmly on the Champions League final against PSG on May 30 rather than the league finale, with the club managing his comeback carefully to ensure he is fully available for the Budapest showdown. Getting Merino fit for the final would be a significant boost for coach Mikel Arteta given the midfielder's importance to Arsenal's engine room even if he had to play a few minutes only.
Merino had been ruled out of Sunday's clash against West Ham as he was still not fully ready to return from his long term foot injury, but his return to collective training Thursday is an encouraging development heading into the season finale against Crystal Palace Sunday and the most important fixture of Arsenal's season in nine days. The focus for the Spanish midfielder is firmly on the Champions League final against PSG on May 30 rather than the league finale, with the club managing his comeback carefully to ensure he is fully available for the Budapest showdown. Getting Merino fit for the final would be a significant boost for coach Mikel Arteta given the midfielder's importance to Arsenal's engine room even if he had to play a few minutes only.
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Remains out
Merino (foot) is nearing a return but out for Sunday's match against West Ham, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "No chance for the weekend, there's still a fair bit to do [in their recoveries]."
ANALYSIS
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Close call to return this season
Merino (foot) is still eyeing a return this season, but his availability remains up in the air, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "It's a bit premature to say. He's evolving really well. He's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can. But it's a bit early to answer that question."
ANALYSIS
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Out of boot
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."
ANALYSIS
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Set to miss several months
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."
ANALYSIS
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Eyeing return to end season
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."
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Sociedad won't reduce fee
Real Sociedad are not expected to reduce the transfer fee they want to receive if they were to part ways with Merino, according to The Mirror.
ANALYSIS
Real Sociedad are refusing to lower their valuation for the 28-year-old Spain midfielder and Arsenal target. The Gunners are willing to do everything in their power to sign Merino, but it seems the deal won't get over the finish line unless one of the two clubs soften their stance a bit.
Real Sociedad are refusing to lower their valuation for the 28-year-old Spain midfielder and Arsenal target. The Gunners are willing to do everything in their power to sign Merino, but it seems the deal won't get over the finish line unless one of the two clubs soften their stance a bit.