Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are far less plagued by injuries than they were earlier in the season, but one star who is currently sidelined has sent fans an update from his hospital bed regarding his condition
Mikel Merino in his hospital bed
Mikel Merino has shared a picture of him in his hospital bed
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Image: Mikel Merino/Instagram)
Crocked Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has shared an update to fans after undergoing surgery on a foot injury. The Gunners star also received an instant message of support from team-mate .
The Spaniard at the end of the 3-2 defeat against . It is that the procedure will see him sidelined for the majority of the remainder of the season.
The hope is the midfielder could make a comeback by May. He will, however, be unable to put serious weight on the foot for around eight weeks – although in that time he will be able to do some gym work.
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Posting a picture on his page of himself from a hospital bed off the back of his surgery, the Gunners player wrote: "Surgery done! Already closer to be back.
"Thank you so much to everyone for your messages and love. It really gives me even more energy to face the challenge. Vamos!"
Rice responded in the comments section with a message reading: "With you brother," along with a red heart emoji.
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Declan Rice has sent well wishes to his Arsenal teammate
boss confirmed the injury blow in a press conference ahead of last weekend's win over . When asked if he would be able to play before the end of the season, he said: “Well, we hope so.
“I don't know. Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive. He's a big player for us.
“An athlete that has such a versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that's a big blow.”
He added: “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.”
Merino has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving at the club. So far this season he has made 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing a further three assists.
The Gunners sit at the top of the table as they look to lift the title for the first time in over 20 years. They are back in action on Thursday night when they travel to take on Brentford (8pm kick-off).