Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has not played since January when he fractured a bone in his foot during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over the Gunners – and recent reports have suggested that he is in a race to be fit for the World Cup.
The Gunners, despite losing the Carabao Cup final 2-0 on Sunday, are still on course to win three trophies this season.
They are having to do so without the help of Merino in the midfield, though, given the 29-year-old has missed eight Premier League matches through injury.
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Although he is not as influential as William Saliba or Declan Rice, the Spanish midfielder is a versatile option for Arteta and his entourage – and his presence, especially in the final third, has been sorely missed.
Mikel Merino’s race to fitness as update emerges
Between now and the end of the season, it’s common knowledge that Merino will not be available for the north Londoners – but he is instead looking to return in time for Spain competing in the 2026 World Cup.
The ex-Real Sociedad man underwent surgery in February and Martin Zubimendi – a teammate and compatriot of the injured star – insisted that he wasn’t sure whether he’d return in time for the competition in north America.
AS, per Football.London, are now suggesting that this summer’s tournament is being marked as his potential return date.
Whether Mikel Merino will be able to play for Luis da le Fuente’s men in the summer months remains to be seen but that is the idea in mind.
A positive note in terms of the engine room operator’s return is that he was present at Wembley Stadium on the weekend to watch his side lose 2-0.
Limping around on one crutch, Merino’s progress looks promising given that he was seen previously using two crutches to walk around. However, he’ll unlikely be able to play a part in Arsenal’s campaign between now and the summer.
Arsenal could sign a Mikel Merino replacement in the summer
Although Merino offers plenty of versatility to the Gunners, he is far from indispensable – and he could be replaced in the summer transfer window as Arsenal look to reinforce in the middle of the park.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is a name of interest to the Premier League table-toppers, while a move for Eduardo Camavinga has also been courted.
Liverpool are, of course, in the offing for the Frenchman’s signature given they are long-term admirers but reports have suggested that he is looking to join a club that can guarantee Champions League football next season.
| Statistic | Merino | Tonali | Camavinga |
| Minutes | 1001 | 2049 | 1159 |
| Goals/Assists | 4/3 | 0/2 | 1/0 |
| Shots per 90 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Aerials won per 90 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.2 | 1 | 2.4 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 |
| Overall rating | 6.77 | 6.58 | 6.76 |
Arsenal could, of course, stick to Merino. He’s proved himself as a valuable part of the squad – either in the midfielder or at centre-forward – by scoring plenty of goals and making himself an aerial nuisance.
