Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has broken a bone in his foot, according to the player’s father.
The Spaniard has not featured in the Gunners’ last three fixtures against Kairat Almaty, Leeds United and Chelsea (in the Carabao Cup). Asked about his son’s injury status by El Larguero (quotes translated by Football.London), his Dad said:
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“It is a stress fracture. Something more internal. It is very rare. There is a bit of uncertainty about the timing, because there is no clear history of this type of injury. Injuries never come at a good time.”
“Considering the problem he has, he is accepting the situation. Players must be prepared. It’s tough. Injuries arrive like that, but you have to look on the bright side: there are injuries much worse than this one.”
Arteta hinted that Merino could be sidelined for a while
Speaking in a press conference last week, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder would need to undergo scans to determine the nature of the problem.
Before the Chelsea game, Arteta further elaborated and said that Merino would need an operation:
“He needs to go through a [surgical] procedure, which is not always positive. He’s a big player for us… That’s a big blow.’
Latest Arsenal injury news
You can read our post here that provides a more comprehensive summary ahead of the clash against Sunderland this weekend, but the Gunners currently have three other players on the treatment table.
Captain Martin Odegaard was absent for the match against Chelsea due to a knock, but he could be available on Saturday. However, Bukayo Saka is not expected to be back before the North London derby later this month. Max Dowman, meanwhile is nearing his return from an ankle injury he picked up in early December.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here