FOOTBALL
By Piyush Wankhede
Posted on February 9, 2026 9:45 pm | Updated on February 9, 2026 6:27 pm
Out on the sidelines, Arsenal must change their approach for Solution. This come after following news that Mikel Merino will miss weeks due to a foot problem needing an operation. These are details backed by insiders close to the club. Though past his late years, the Spanish player shaped much of what worked well this campaign. In this case, it includes scoring, setting up chances, shifting roles when needed. Now stuck without him, head coach Mikel Arteta faces fresh lineup puzzles. While there are matches in every tournament still alive. The calendar packs tight but the solutions will not come easy.
Midway through Arsenal’s tight loss to Manchester United, Merino picked up the injury. Therefore, he then sat out their next game – a 4-0 win against Leeds. Soon after, the team confirmed he will have an operation followed by a long recovery process, targeted so he might rejoin full sessions ahead of summer. Just when fixtures pile up both league and European, the squad loses his presence on pitch.
Arsenal Solution: Lewis Skelly?
Surprisingly, voices in the football world are floating the idea of shifting Myles Lewis-Skelly into midfield. While he has mostly played at left-back, his rise last season grabbed attention. He was solid defensively, quick moving forward with the ball. That kind of composure on the run, paired with sharp passing when things get tight, makes certain observers think he might fit well deeper on the pitch. Should circumstances push it, his toolkit may translate better than expected to the middle.
What stands out is Lewis-Skelly’s calmness when carrying the ball, along with how easily he shifts between roles. Coaches see that shiftiness – and take note of his readiness to fit where needed. Still floating around questions about if his choices under pressure. Plus how he reads threats behind the play, line up with top-tier central demands right now. Yet here’s someone Arteta might reach for when the game leans more clever than crushing. Like, in knockout rounds or versus teams that press less hard through the middle.
Christian Norgaard, Arsenal Solution Number 2?
If Lewis-Skelly doesn’t work out there, someone like Christian Norgaard might step into the gap after Merino. Coming to Arsenal in summer from Brentford, the Dane player hasn’t played much so far. Still, during his limited outings, signs of potential have appeared now and then. Unlike the young newcomer, he brings along a bit more time on the pitch at top levels.
What stands out about Norgaard is how well he sticks to the plan, plus his solid frame makes him hard to shift. When Arsenal’s usual picks in midfield can’t play, that kind of player fits right into the middle. He has spent years breaking up play deep, which brings calm to a busy area. With him holding things together, others get more freedom to try new moves forward.
❤️🎶 Christian Nørgaard: “I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream… something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about”. pic.twitter.com/Afica8Qkls
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025
Conclusion
Without Merino, Arsenal faces tougher challenges. Specially when games require steady midfield handling and smooth shifts from back line to front. Because he adapted easily by dropping into defense or pushing high as a false nine the team moved with more freedom. These days, Arteta turns to backups and different setups to keep results consistent.
Only time will tell if Arsenal can keep chasing trophies like the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League. With Merino out, younger names or those less seen might just find their chance knocking during this tight stretch of matches.
It will be interesting to see what do Arsenal and Manager Mikel Arteta Plan? Do they give Lewis Skelly a new role? Will Christian Norgaard fill the role and get game time? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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