Mikel Merino has surgery: ‘Already nearer to a return’
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has had surgery on a right foot injury that he incurred in January.
The Spain international experienced a stress fracture in his foot during Arsenal’s 3-2 league defeat to Manchester United on January 25.
Arsenal anticipates that Merino will be sidelined for a considerable duration.
Merino, 29, shared a photo on Instagram from his hospital bed giving a thumbs up and stated: “Surgery done! Already closer to be back. Thank you so much to everyone for your messages and love. It really gives me even more energy to face the challenge. Vamos!”
Sources in Spain have informed ESPN that Merino is hopeful he will be able to return to play in May and be eligible for selection in Spain’s squad for the World Cup this summer.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta recently mentioned that it is challenging to estimate when Merino will be able to play again.
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“It is a very rare injury so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery, how it reacts daily, obviously monitor it throughout the weeks post surgery and see,” the Spaniard remarked.
Merino has participated in 33 matches for the Gunners this season. He has scored four goals and provided three assists in 21 league matches for the Premier League leaders.
