Arsenal Injury Update: Mikel Merino’s Father Shares Concerns Over Uncertain Recovery Timeline
Arsenal fans have been hit with worrying news about midfielder Mikel Merino, as his father has opened up about the uncertainty surrounding the 29-year-old’s foot injury and rehabilitation process.
The Spain international, a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a bone injury in his right foot.
How the Injury Happened
Merino sustained the issue towards the end of Arsenal’s match against Manchester United on January 25, 2026. He was absent for the Gunners’ convincing 4-0 win over Leeds United over the weekend, and Arsenal quickly confirmed the problem through an official club statement.
The club revealed that Merino has a bone injury in his right foot and will undergo surgery in the coming days. After the procedure, he’ll start his recovery and rehab program. Arsenal stated he is expected to be out for an extended period, though the club holds hope of him returning to full training before the season ends.
Mikel Arteta’s View on the Timeline
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Arteta gave a rough estimate of around four months for recovery. He stressed the need to monitor progress closely after surgery, noting that the injury isn’t always straightforward. While the manager remains hopeful Merino can feature again this campaign, there’s no guarantee.
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What Merino’s Father Had to Say
Merino’s dad, Miguel Merino, appeared as a guest on Spanish radio station Cadena SER and gave an honest insight into the situation.
He said:
“Despite the problem, he’s accepting the situation. Injuries never come at a good time and a player has to be prepared for whatever comes. It’s tough but we have to look on the bright side. There are much worse injuries than this one.”
He went on to highlight the main worry:
“There’s uncertainty because the recovery time isn’t well understood as there’s no history of this type of injury. It’s a stress fracture. It’s not an injury to the toes, it’s a bit more internal. It’s an injury that isn’t very well documented. There are many doubts regarding his recovery.”
Miguel added that his son is staying positive despite the unknowns.
Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield and Transfer Plans
The injury has left Arsenal short in midfield during a crucial phase of the season. With the Premier League leaders pushing for silverware on multiple fronts, Arteta explored options in the January transfer window before it closed.
One reported target was Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali as potential cover, but the Magpies made it clear they wouldn’t let a player of his quality leave mid-season. That left the Gunners with limited reinforcements heading into the run-in.
Concerns for Spain and the 2026 World Cup
The setback also raises questions for Spain national team boss Luis de la Fuente. With the 2026 World Cup now just months away, Merino’s availability for the tournament is far from certain.
Merino’s father noted:
“Luis de la Fuente is someone who pays attention to every detail. He has already spoken with Mikel and asked how he is.”
Looking Ahead
Everyone at Arsenal is fully behind Merino as he begins the road to recovery. While the club aims for a return before the season wraps up, the lack of clear precedents for this type of internal foot injury means patience will be key.
Supporters will be hoping the surgery goes smoothly and that Merino can bounce back strongly—both for Arsenal’s title challenge and his own ambitions with Spain this summer. Stay tuned for more updates on his progress.
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Arsenal Injury Update: Mikel Merino’s Father Shares Concerns Over Uncertain Recovery Timeline
