Mikel Merino is set to undergo surgery on his right foot on Monday, with Arsenal focusing on his recovery to ensure he can compete in the 2026 World Cup.
The 29-year-old sustained a bone injury in Arsenal’s 3‑2 loss to Manchester United on January 25, which has ruled him out for several months. Merino has been one of Arsenal’s top performers this term, making 33 appearances across all competitions.
He’s also chimed in with six goals and provided three assists, often operating beyond his primary central midfield role to contribute in attack. His performances in key matches have made him a reliable option for Mikel Arteta in both domestic and European competitions.
The injury comes at a time when Arsenal have to manage a congested schedule, with the team involved in the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
Merino’s situation also affects Spain’s World Cup plans. Recent reports indicate that the Spaniard aims to return to Arsenal’s training before the season concludes.
The tournament begins on June 11, giving the midfielder roughly six weeks from the end of the Premier League to prove his fitness. While the player and club remain optimistic about his involvement, the timeframe is tight, and there is no guarantee he will feature.
Before the injury, Merino had logged around 2,000 minutes this season, consistently contributing to Arsenal’s transitions and goal threats from midfield.
Recovery from Monday’s surgery will determine whether he can rejoin training in time to help Arsenal and secure his place in Spain’s World Cup squad.
