Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is set for a considerable spell on the sidelines after sustaining a bone injury in his right foot during the match against Manchester United on January 25. The 29-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to be out of action for an extended period, dealing a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s squad during their Premier League title chase.
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Injury Details and Severity
The Spanish midfielder has a rare fracture in his right foot that requires surgery, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The injury was confirmed following specialist assessments on February 1, 2026, just days after Merino completed the Manchester United match despite sustaining the damage. Arsenal’s aim is for him to return to full training before the end of the season, though no specific timeline has been provided for his return to competitive action.
Arteta emphasized the seriousness of the setback during his pre-match press conference. The manager stated that it is a very rare injury and Arsenal must respect the healing process. The Spanish international has become an increasingly important part of Arteta’s tactical setup, offering versatility across multiple positions.
Impact on Arsenal’s Campaign
The loss of Merino represents a major blow to Arsenal’s four-pronged assault on silverware this season. The Gunners are competing for the Premier League title, currently sitting atop the standings, while also pushing deep in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Merino has made 33 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season and scored his sixth goal in their recent defeat to Manchester United.
Though Merino has only started around half of Arsenal’s games, his versatility and tactical intelligence make him an invaluable squad player capable of slotting into different roles. His ability to operate as both a midfielder and makeshift striker has proven invaluable to Arteta’s system, particularly his capability to contribute in advanced positions.
Mikel Merino’s Performance Metrics This Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Variable |
| League Cup | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Variable |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Variable |
| Champions League | 12 | 12 | 3 | 1 | Full Matches |
| Other Competitions | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Variable |
| Total | 33 | 23 | 6 | 1 | 2580+ |
Arsenal’s Response and Transfer Activity
Following Merino’s injury news on transfer deadline day, Arteta indicated Arsenal would look to the market for potential replacements if available. However, with the transfer window closing on February 3, 2026, Arsenal faced severe time constraints in sourcing alternative cover. The club also completed the departure of young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille during the window.
In terms of midfield cover, Arsenal have Declan Rice, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kai Havertz available as options, though the quality depth varies across the squad’s remaining midfielder options.
Merino’s Arsenal Journey
Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 for approximately 31.6 million euros. Since his arrival, he has established himself as a crucial component of Arteta’s squad despite limited Premier League starts this term. The 29-year-old Spain international has proven adept both in his preferred midfield role and as an auxiliary striker for the Gunners, demonstrating remarkable tactical flexibility.
Timeline for Recovery
Arsenal hope to have Merino back before the end of the season, with the midfielder likely to return to training at some point in late April or early May. This timeline would potentially allow him involvement in the final weeks of the season across Arsenal’s remaining competitions, though it remains optimistic given the nature of the injury.
The club’s Champions League involvement means Merino could theoretically be available for knockout matches should Arsenal progress far enough in the competition. The UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for May 30, 2026, in Budapest, while the FA Cup final would occur earlier in May.
International Impact
Merino’s long-term injury carries implications for Spain’s international setup ahead of future competitions.
The injury has plunged his preparations for upcoming tournaments into uncertainty, affecting not only Arsenal’s season but also the Spanish national team’s planning.
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FAQs
What exactly is Mikel Merino’s injury?
A rare bone fracture in his right foot requiring surgery.
When will Merino return to playing?
Arsenal hope he returns to full training before season’s end, possibly late April or early May.
How did the injury happen?
Merino sustained it during the final stages of Arsenal’s 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United on January 25, 2026.
How many games has Merino played for Arsenal this season?
33 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals.
Is Merino available for the Champions League?
Possibly in later stages if Arsenal progress, but recovery timelines remain uncertain and dependent on the surgical outcome.
