Mikel Merino has been sidelined since January, when he suffered a bone stress fracture in his foot which required surgery
15:07, 26 Mar 2026
View 2 Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Mikel Merino of Arsenal inspects the pitch whilst on crutches alongside team mates Max Dowman prior to the Carabao Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Merino will reportedly be back from injury in time to feature for Spain at this summer's World Cup.
The versatile Arsenal midfielder has been sidelined since January when he fractured a bone in his foot during the 3-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United - a game in which he scored.
He then underwent successful surgery in February and shortly after the procedure, club team-mate and compatriot Martin Zubimendi said he didn't know if Merino would be back in time for the World Cup.
However, AS are now reporting that a source close to Merino has confirmed he'll be fine to feature for La Roja in North America.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
It begs the question whether Merino will be back in time to play a part in Arsenal's season, though at this stage, that's still unknown and they will not rush his return.
What's positive is that Merino was at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to watch Arsenal lose 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
He was also only on one crutch, which is seemingly progress from recent weeks when he's still been using two.
Merino was spotted walking on the pitch before the game, albeit with a protective boot, as he accompanied some of his team-mates.
Since then, a number of Arsenal players have also picked up injuries and withdrawn from their respective international squads.
Injured Arsenal star Mikel Merino looks to have made huge progress in his recovery
View 2 Images
Injured Arsenal star Mikel Merino was on the pitch with his team-mates at Wembley(Image: (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Martin Odegaard is closing in on a return from a knee problem while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are both resting their ankle and knee, respectively.
Eberechi Eze is battling a calf problem while Jurrien Timber remains absent with an ankle injury.
Leandro Trossard is also resting his hip after recently picking up an issue in the FA Cup fifth-round win at Mansfield a few weeks ago.
While Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres are all competing for the centre-forward role, Arsenal have missed Merino and his ability to impact the game from multiple positions.
Article continues below
He can feature as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or a false-nine, as he has done so on so many occasions for Arsenal.
Merino has played 1,877 minutes so far this season and mustered six goals and three assists in all competitions.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts