Arsenal star could miss rest of the season as injury expert explains World Cup dilemma | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Mikel Merino underwent surgery this week for a stress fracture sustained during Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in January. The midfielder faces a lengthy recovery, potentially jeopardising his availability for the remainder of the season as the Gunners pursue multiple trophies, including the FA Cup and Champions League.
Mikel Merino faces a challenging race against time to return from injury as Arsenal hope to continue their pursuit of major silverware this season. The midfielder sustained a stress fracture in his foot during a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in January and underwent surgery this week, which could keep him out for an extensive period. Arsenal are currently competing for an unprecedented quadruple, leading the Premier League and Champions League, while also eyeing the FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lauded Merino’s contributions, confirming the severity of the injury has prompted a cautious approach regarding his recovery. The club is aiming to reach the FA Cup fifth round against Wigan Athletic on Sunday and looks forward to a busy May, which includes the FA Cup final on May 17 and the Champions League final on May 30.
According to Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs, the recovery timeline for Merino is uncertain due to the complexity of foot injuries. “The foot has multiple different bones, and some are much easier to deal with,” Smith said. He noted that stress fractures could take anywhere from four weeks to over sixteen weeks, depending on the bone affected.
Arteta spoke to the media ahead of the Premier League clash with Brentford, stating, “I think the doctors were really happy with the way [the surgery] went… The timeframes, we’re talking about months – whether it’s three, four, or five, we don’t know.” Arsenal are expected to be conservative in managing Merino’s return, especially as the season progresses and critical matches approach.
Merino’s potential absence poses concerns not just for Arsenal but also for the Spanish national team, as he has become a key player, netting six goals in 33 appearances for the Gunners and tallying eight goals in ten appearances for Spain this season. His fitness could impact his participation in the World Cup, which kicks off for Spain against Cape Verde on June 15.
The situation remains fluid, and while Arsenal will prioritise his health, the decision regarding his return will ultimately lie with Merino, guided by input from both club and national team officials.