Mikel Merino
29-Year-Old
Arsenal
Premier
OUT
Injury Foot
Est. Return 5/9/2026
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
Merino has gone under the knife to repair a foot injury and is now staring at a long rehab road that's expected to stretch over several months. At this point, a comeback before the end of the season is looking more and more unlikely. The versatile midfielder had locked down a regular starting spot for the Gunners and was putting together a strong campaign, with June's World Cup firmly on his radar. This setback could sideline him for the remainder of the season in the worst case scenario and may ultimately rule him out of contention for La Roja as well.
Merino has gone under the knife to repair a foot injury and is now staring at a long rehab road that's expected to stretch over several months. At this point, a comeback before the end of the season is looking more and more unlikely. The versatile midfielder had locked down a regular starting spot for the Gunners and was putting together a strong campaign, with June's World Cup firmly on his radar. This setback could sideline him for the remainder of the season in the worst case scenario and may ultimately rule him out of contention for La Roja as well.
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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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Will receive surgery
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."
ANALYSIS
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Suffers foot issue
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."
ANALYSIS
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Available again
Merino has completed his one-match suspension in Champions League play versus Kairat, becoming an option for upcoming fixtures in all competitions.
ANALYSIS
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Scores off bench
Merino (suspension) scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
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.