Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Mikel Merino will be sidelined for the season

Mikel Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, had surgery for a January injury to his right foot. At Arsenal’s 3-2 league loss to Manchester United on January 25, the Spain international sustained a stress fracture to his foot. Merino is expected to miss a significant amount of time for Arsenal.

“Surgery done!” Merino, 29, said in a thumbs-up Instagram photo taken from his hospital bed. Thank you very much to everyone for their kindness and messages. I’m getting closer to returning. Vamos!” It truly gives me even more enthusiasm to take on the challenge.

According to Spanish sources who spoke to ESPN, Merino is hopeful that he may go back into action in May and be included in Spain’s World Cup team this summer. Mikel Arteta, the coach of Arsenal, recently stated that it was hard to say when Merino would be able to play again.

Arsenal star could miss rest of the season

With the FA Cup final on May 17th, Arsenal will be hoping for a very busy month. One week later, on May 30, the Champions League final will take place in Budapest, marking the last weekend of the Premier League season. With his injury forcing a late and ultimately fruitless search for a replacement late in the January transfer window, Merino has once again shown how crucial he is to Arteta’s ambitions.

Merino’s father and Arteta have both called the injury “rare”. Although the specifics of the injury have not been made public, Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs, a company that focuses on performance analytics and injury welfare, believes Arsenal would be cautious when it comes to his recovery.

The Arsenal star would have been anticipated to travel to the World Cup this summer after being such an important member of his nation, as Spain’s campaign begins on June 15 against Cape Verde. This injury blow may cast doubt on it. Merino will have the last word, though Arsenal will sensibly exercise caution.