Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared some positive news about the injury status of Mikel Merino. The Spanish coach has claimed that he can be fit again before the expected time period. Shockingly, Merino can again play for the club before the end of the season.
What did happen to Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino?
Mikel Merino had played for the Gunners in this January against their rivals Manchester United. It was his last match before his injury. In that match, he scored a header to equalize the score. Nevertheless, they lost to Red Devils by a score line of 3-2. After that, he was suspended for their following UCL match day and their opponent was Kairat Almaty. However, he was not present in the matchday squad. He was serving his suspension for getting many yellow cards.
They had to play Leeds in their next Premier League match day. When the line ups were shared, Mikel Merino’s name was not there in the team list. Later it was informed that the Spanish midfielder had suffered a foot injury. The injury was so severe that his foot was operated. Mikel’s father told that his injury was more like a stress-fracture and was rare. The injury occurred inside of the foot which is not very usual.
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Arsenal doctors failed to give a fixed duration in which we can expect the player’s recovery. They said that it could take four, five or even six months. From this information it was felt that neither he could play for the Gunners again this season nor could he represent Spain in the World Cup 2026. Although, Spain coach De La Feunte was positive about the midfielder’s condition and believes he will be available for World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico.
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What news did Mikel Arteta share about Merino’s fitness?
The Gunners’ fans have got a positive push for this season. As per reports, the 29-year-old can again play at the Emirates this season, such has been said by Arteta. In the pre match press conference before the Bournemouth game, Arteta announced this fitness update.
Merino could make a comeback from the injury before the expected time. Everyone thought that the football player will not enter the field again this season. But his manager feels that he can get Merino back in his squad at the end of the season.
Arteta said that Mikel is not wearing the protective boot now and can live without it. He is exercising daily and fighting to get back his full fitness. The former Real Sociedad man’s operation went really well. His response was good and he didn’t feel any type of pain. Arteta has kept his faith in Merino and claimed that Merino is the person who can recover from his injury early and can get into training again.
Getting back Mikel Merino is not the only thing Arsenal should focus on. They are unable to do well with the players they are currently having. The Gunners are already out of the domestic cup competitions. They are fighting for the Premier League title and Champions League.
Although they are first in league table, they are not in a comfortable situation. They lost to Bournemouth on 11th April at Emirates by a margin of 2-1. Now, Man City are just 9 points behind them with 2 games in hand.
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Some other fitness updates has been given by the manager
Mikel Arteta said that Eberechi Eze is back from his injury after being sidelined for almost 3 weeks. The English forward had suffered a lower leg injury in the Leverkusen match in UCL. He played in the Bournemouth game by coming as a substitute in 54th minute.
Martin Odegaard was not at all involved in this Premier League game. He was out for getting a minor issue in his knee. The captain suffered this injury against Sporting in the UCL quarter final.
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Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a junior football writer who has contributed articles covering key developments in football. His work focuses on match events, player performances, and the narratives that shape discussions among fans and the wider football community. Through his contributions to Football Express, Subhabrata produced football coverage aimed at keeping readers informed about important moments, tactical trends, and evolving storylines. His writing blends clear reporting with analytical insights to deliver engaging and informative content for football enthusiasts.
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