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Arsenal have confirmed Mikel Merino will be sidelined for ‘an extended period’ (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Merino’s father says there is some ‘uncertainty’ surrounding the midfielder’s injury and the time it could take before he can feature again for Arsenal.
The 29-year-old Spain international missed Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Leeds at the weekend and it subsequently came to light that he had sustained a bone injury in his right foot.
An official statement from the Gunners confirmed that Merino would be sidelined for ‘an extended period’, with a view to returning before the end of the season.
Asked for further clarification on the matter at a press conference on Monday, Mikel Arteta suggested a ‘four-month’ recovery timeframe for his fellow countryman.
Merino’s injury blow forced the Premier League leaders into the transfer market with just hours remaining of the January window and Sandro Tonali emerged as a possible option as cover.
But Newcastle made it clear they had no intention of losing a player of Tonali’s quality midway through the campaign, leaving Arteta a little short in midfield ahead of the side’s all-important run-in.
Discussing his son’s setback while featuring as a guest on Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Miguel Merino explained: ‘Despite the problem, he’s accepting the situation.
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There are hopes Merino can return to training before the end of the season (Picture: Getty)
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The Spaniard has netted six times in all competitions for Arsenal this season (Picture: Getty)
‘Injuries never come at a good time and a player has to be prepared for whatever comes.
‘It’s tough but we have to look on the bright side.
‘There are much worse injuries than this one.’
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According to Merino’s father, there are many ‘doubts’ and unknowns about his son’s rehabilitation given the relative lack of history of similar injuries.
‘There’s uncertainty because the recovery time isn’t well understood as there’s no history of this type of injury,’ he added.
‘It’s a stress fracture. It’s not an injury to the toes, it’s a bit more internal.
‘It’s an injury that isn’t very well documented. There are many doubts regarding his recovery.’
Merino’s injury is also a major cause for concern in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain camp, with the 2026 World Cup just four months away and coming into view on the horizon.
‘Luis de la Fuente is someone who pays attention to every detail,’ Merino senior continued.
‘He has already spoken with Mikel and asked how he is.’
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