Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is reluctant to put a timeframe on when Mikel Merino could make a return to first-team action.
The Spanish international underwent surgery in February to repair a fracture in his foot, and he was initially ruled out for several months.
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However, Merino has been pictured without his protective boot in recent weeks, prompting suggestions that he could make a surprise early comeback. Asked whether the 29-year-old could play again before the campaign is over, Arteta said:
“It’s a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He’s evolving really well, he’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can, but it’s a bit early to answer that question.”
Merino has more than one reason to get fit
As well as the Premier League title race and the prospect of playing in the Champions League final, the midfielder is also hoping to be available for the World Cup.
Merino is a key player for his country, having scored 6 goals in 6 World Cup qualifiers prior to his injury. If he can prove his fitness in time, he will be guaranteed a spot on the flight out to North America this summer.
Latest Arsenal injury news
Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz will not play against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening. The German international was forced off during the 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend.
Jurrien Timber is also still on the treatment table as he continues his recovery from a groin problem, but Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori are fit and available for selection.
Eze was substituted early in the second half against Newcastle, but he revealed after the match that he was only withdrawn as a precaution. Calafiori, meanwhile, has been out since the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here