Injury Update

Inter coach Cristian Chivu says Alessandro Bastoni won’t be available for tomorrow’s Serie A match...

Il talento turco continua a lavorare a scartamento ridotto: cosa filtra verso il match col Bologna

Kobbie Mainoo has returned to Manchester United training and is on course to make his return in time for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, according to one well-placed insider. The fan-favourite midfielder missed out against Leeds United due to a minor injury problem, but now looks set to be restored to the squad after only […] The post Insider — Thurs afternoon update: Michael Carrick receives seismic injury boost before crunch Chelsea trip appeared first on Stretty News.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the Europa League and the international game. Bayern Munich edge a seven-goal thriller to knock out Real Madrid and book their Champions League semi-final spot. Goals galore at the Allianz Arena, with Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and more all making headlines. Harry Kane celebrates a milestone season and looks ahead to his first-ever Champions League semi-final. Late drama as Eduardo Camavinga sees red before Bayern seal it in stoppage time. Arsenal grind out a scoreless draw with Sporting to reach back-to-back Champions League semi-finals. Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal’s mentality and hits back at criticism of their season. Debate on Off The Ball Breakfast about whether the Premier League faces an “existential crisis”. Liverpool suffer a major blow as Hugo Ekitike ruptures his Achilles and misses the World Cup. Discussion around Mohamed Salah’s form and whether physical decline is a factor. Europa League quarter-final build-up with Aston Villa holding a strong lead over Bologna. Nottingham Forest boosted by Chris Wood’s return ahead of their clash with Porto. Conference League focus as Crystal Palace aim to finish the job against Fiorentina. Irish interest across Europe, with Troy Parrott, Andrew Omobamidele and others chasing comebacks. And how does it feel to be Irish? Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Juventus have decided to delay any decision regarding the future of Dusan Vlahovic, opening the door for Milan to… The post Milan given Vlahovic boost as Juventus postpone negotiations appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Just when you thought the Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain couldn’t get any more painful, the club has been hit with absolutely devastating news. Hugo Ekitike is officially set for a massive nine-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a catastrophic injury during Tuesday night’s second-leg defeat at Anfield. […] The post Liverpool confirm Hugo Ekitike update that fans were hoping to avoid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Il classe 2008 di proprietà del Milan è vicinissimo al suo rientro in campo: le ultime e l'annuncio del Lecce sulle sue condizioni.

Arriva l'ultima conferma sul gravissimo infortunio dell'attaccante, che non sarà a disposizione della Francia.

L'ultima ricaduta fisica del serbo ha gioco-forza cambiato nuovamente le carte in tavola

Inter will be without both Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez for Friday evening’s Serie A...

Forward could be out until 2027 with suspected achilles tendon rupture Ekitiké is club’s leading goalscorer this season with 17 goals The Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with the injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Didier Deschamps has confirmed. Ekitiké suffered a suspected achilles tendon rupture in the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat and could be sidelined until next year as a result. The full extent of the 23-year-old’s injury has not been confirmed – he underwent scans on Wednesday and Liverpool are expected to provide an update later this week – but the head coach of the France national team has ruled Ekitiké out of his plans for this summer’s World Cup.

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike picked up a serious Achilles tendon injury against PSG in the UEFA Champions League last night. The French International could be sidelined for 9 to 12 months. They are now looking to bring in two quality attackers at the end of the season. According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are […] The post Liverpool want Premier League duo with combined 31-G/A this season after Ekitike injury appeared first on CaughtOffside.

L'attaccante del Liverpool e della Francia si è rotto il tendine d'Achille e sarà costretto a saltare il torneo: porte aperte per il giocatore dell'Inter?

The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh. With Cristiano Ronaldo at the center of attention, uncertainty surrounding his involvement has added intrigue to an already crucial encounter. The home side enters the match in dominant form, sitting at the top of the table and pushing for a long-awaited league title. A five-point lead and a remarkable winning streak have placed Al-Nassr in a commanding position, but the pressure remains intense with only a handful of matches left. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq arrives looking to disrupt the momentum despite inconsistent performances in recent weeks. The stakes could hardly be higher as the league campaign approaches its decisive stretch. Al-Nassr has collected over 70 points and built one of the strongest attacking records in the competition, scoring freely while maintaining defensive stability. Its recent 2-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud reinforced its credentials as the team to beat. Al-Ettifaq, on the other hand, finds itself in a very different situation. Sitting seventh with mixed results, the team has struggled for consistency, including a recent 3-2 defeat that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Despite that, their ability to challenge stronger opponents keeps this fixture unpredictable. Will Ronaldo play? As anticipation built, the focus inevitably shifted to whether Ronaldo would feature in such a crucial match. Cristiano Ronaldo will start and lead the attack, adding firepower to the lineup. The Portuguese partnership between Ronaldo and Joao Felix has added creativity and finishing power in the final third. The Portuguese forward returned from a recent hamstring injury in sharp form, scoring three goals in his last two appearances. His tally of 24 league goals and an astonishing 968 career goals underline his continued influence, even at this stage of his career. What’s more, he needs six more goals to surpass Mohammed Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s all-time top goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Both sides enter the match with important squad updates that could influence the outcome. Al-Nassr will be without Angelo Gabriel after a fitness setback, while the return of Inigo Martinez strengthens the defensive options. Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq: Confirmed lineups Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Martinez, Al Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Felix; Mane, Ronaldo, Coman. Al-Ettifaq confirmed XI (5-3-2): Rodak; Radi, Khateem, Jack, Calvo, Nkota; Duda, Medran; Wijnaldum; Al Ghannam; Dembele.

Real Madrid will seek to pull off a remarkable comeback against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena at 21:00 CEST, going into the clash 2-1 down from the first leg. The major question mark over Alvaro Arbeloa’s line-up is the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni. Arbeloa mentioned that Camavinga was one of his primary options to […] The post Predicted Teams Bayern Munich-Real Madrid: Eduardo Camavinga to remain on bench appeared first on Football España.

Inter Milan stars Lautaro Martinez and Yann Bisseck will miss Friday’s home clash against Serie A strugglers Cagliari. According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, both players are looking to recover for Inter’s upcoming trip to Turin to face Torino. Lautaro Martinez had to skip Inter’s stunning 4-3 victory over Como last weekend due to […] The post Report – Argentina & Germany Stars Ruled Out Of Inter Milan Vs Cagliari Serie A Clash appeared first on SempreInter.com.

Paolo Vanoli says Fiorentina are doing ‘everything we can’ to recover Moise Kean for a...

It’s the news every Liverpool and France fan has been absolutely dreading. fter Hugo Ekitike was forced off the pitch in clear agony during that miserable Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the collective mood around Anfield was incredibly bleak. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO […] The post ‘Confirmed by his family’ – Journalist issues update on Ekitike injury from his family appeared first on CaughtOffside.

La Gazzetta dello Sport calls Matteo Ruggeri ‘heroic’ after Atlético Madrid’s aggregate win over Barcelona,...

Inter Milan stars Lautaro Martinez and Petar Sucic will not feature in the upcoming Serie A clash against Cagliari at San Siro. According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, there’s still a chance for Yann Bisseck to make the matchday squad. Cristian Chivu’s side will take on the Islanders on Friday, looking to maintain their […] The post Inter Milan Vs Cagliari – Cristian Chivu Unable To Call Upon Two First-Team Stars appeared first on SempreInter.com.

Il calciatore francese si è fermato durante il match di Champions League contro il Paris Saint-Germain

Possible Arsenal starting XI against Sporting CP, injury team news and how to watch the game on TV and live stream today.

During Liverpool’s massive heavyweight clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the wind was completely sucked out of the stadium when star striker Hugo Ekitike went down with a horrible injury. Instead of dissecting the tactical battle of a classic European tie, the post-match conversation was purely focused on the 23-year-old’s health and unfortunately, the early signs are […] The post “I think..” – Ibrahima Konate issues worrying update on Liverpool teammate Ekitike appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Michael Steele/Getty Images PSG reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the sixth time in club history. The post 5 Takeaways From PSG’s 2-0 Win Over Liverpool in the Champions League appeared first on PSG Talk.

‘We have to show on the pitch that we have the mindset’ Manager unsure when Saka will return from injury Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal must prove to themselves that they have the right mindset to win the Premier League title but revealed there are major doubts over when Bukayo Saka will return from an achilles injury. The England forward will miss the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Sporting on Wednesday and looks set to still be sidelined for Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola said after City’s win over Chelsea last Sunday which cut Arsenal’s lead to six points that their recent resurgence is “about mindset, not tactics” as he attempts to win a seventh title in England.

Liverpool have crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Anfield against PSG in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. After losing the first leg 2-0 away from home, they were hoping to overturn the deficit at home, but the defending European champions have managed to get the job done at Anfield, and they […] The post Shearer reveals “exactly what Liverpool have been missing” against PSG tonight appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Alexander Isak back in the Liverpool team for the first time since his injury and some bizarre Arne Slot comments after revealing his team to play PSG. Liverpool 2-0 down... You can click here to read the full article.

L'attaccante dei Reds e della nazionale francese è uscito alla mezz'ora della gara di Champions League contro il Psg

Cristian Romero may have played his last game for Tottenham Hotspur, talkSPORT understands. Romero will miss the rest of the season after leaving the field in tears with a knee injury sustained dur…

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest Arsenal injury news on Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori.

Lamine Yamal is looking to LeBron James for some inspiration as he tries to lead Barcelona to a Champions League comeback.

Agyemang’s pain may be someone else’s gain. On Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, we're sharing our thoughts on the unfortunate news of Patrick Agyemang’s season ending Achilles injury and how it could potentially impact the USMNT’s roster for the World Cup. Will strikers like Josh Sargent or Brian White get a look? Could a wildcard like Zavier Gozo break through? Is Diego Luna’s spot now set in stone? Tim and Landon break it all down. Plus, we may be less than 10 matches into MLS’ season, but that’s not too soon for Montreal to make a move at coach. Was Marco Donadel really the problem or do the club’s issues run deeper than that? And what’s to be made of Son Heung-min's quiet goalscoring season? While some may be scratching their heads, Landon explains why it’s a whole lot of nothing! Finally, in the AT&T Mailbag, we're talking Lincoln City’s guaranteed promotion, Tottenham’s potential relegation and the U.S. Men’s “A squad” vs the U.S. Men’s “B squad.” New episodes of Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim drop every Tuesday. Subscribe to the show on YouTube and follow on all your favorite podcast platforms. For bonus content, follow on all social media platforms @UnfilteredSoccer. Send your mailbag questions to [email protected] (https://www.unfilteredsoccer.com). Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard is presented by Volkswagen. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4g8bZG3. Thank you to our additional sponsors: AT&T. Connecting Changes Everything. Visit https://att.com/guarantee to learn more. Coca-Cola and Carnival Cruise Line. Hot Takes, Cold Coke, Open Seas – your Carnival cruise is waiting! Visit Carnival.com/unfiltered and stay tuned for more information on how you could win a Carnival cruise! Coors Light. Choose Chill. Get Coors Light delivered. Go to CoorsLight.com/USLNT FanDuel. Secure your chance to score $100 BUCKS in bonus bets today. Download the FanDuel App to check out today's Soccer Daily Specials betting odds. Walmart. Walmart plays on Saturdays. Who knew? Visit walmart.com/MLS This episode of Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard was edited and mastered by Collin Kushner, Andrew Hartley and Jeremy Steinkamp, with engineering support from Eric Newell. Our producers are Andrew Gundling and Jordan Rizzieri. Our social media lead is Dan Armelli and our social editors are Kyle Curley and Finley Skelton. YouTube Chapters 00:00 Intro 2:38 Patrick Agyemang's injury 13:28 Balogun stays in form 19:03 Montréal fire head coach 26:43 Red Bulls' youth development 28:46 Vancouver to lose Berhalter? 32:41 Arsenal and Tottenham bottling 41:11 Fan Connection Unfiltered Soccer 👉 https://unfilteredsoccer.com/ Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredsoccer/ Twitter/X 👉 https://twitter.com/unfilteredsoccr TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredsoccer Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/UnfilteredSoccer/ OTHER PODCASTS YOU MAY LIKE Triple Option - http://tripleoptionshow.com Throwbacks - http://ThrowbacksShow.com Post Moves - http://PostMovesShow.com Cousins - http://vinceandtmac.com

After his injury against Girona, Kylian Mbappe returned to Real Madrid training sessions with stitches in his forehead ahead of the UCL clash against Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappe raised concern by missing Real Madrid‘s training session on Sunday after picking up an injury against Girona on Saturday, but the Frenchman was back on the training pitch Monday, sporting stitches above his eyebrow as he prepares for the second leg against Bayern Munich. One of the most contentious moments of last weekend’s La Liga action came during Real Madrid‘s 1-1 draw with Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu. In the 88th minute, Vitor Reis caught Mbappe with an elbow while attempting to mark him inside the box, opening a wound that caused heavy bleeding and required immediate medical attention. Referee officials ruled the contact unintentional, declining to award a penalty, a decision that drew significant frustration from the Real Madrid camp. Mbappe was able to see the match out, but two days later he was absent from training when the squad returned to work. In the interim, Mbappe posted a photo on his Instagram account showing him receiving medical attention on the affected area, without any caption. The update confirmed he had received three stitches above his right eyebrow. Having been kept off the pitch on Sunday for further assessment, Mbappe was back training alongside his teammates at the Valdebebas training complex on Monday. With 39 goals in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season, his presence will be critical as Los Blancos look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappe set to feature against Bayern Munich With the immediate concern now behind him, Mbappe’s availability for Wednesday’s second leg against Bayern is not in doubt. However, precautions are being taken to ensure the striker does not risk aggravating the injury during the match. According to Diario AS, while Mbappe is still experiencing some discomfort in the area, the use of a protective mask has already been ruled out. That said, the club is working internally to provide him with some form of protection to guard the affected area during the game.

Liverpool will hope for another memorable European night at Anfield when Paris Saint-Germain visit in the Champions League. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia goals have the Parisians 2-0 up on …

With just a few months to go before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback with Argentina, as Cristian Romero appeared to have picked up a serious injury. However, he has received an injury update that gives him hope of making it to the anticipated tournament. After shining in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina stand out as one of the national teams favored to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second consecutive title. However, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback, as Cristian Romero went off injured in tears in Tottenham Hotspur’s latest match. Despite this, the Argentinean defender’s injury extent has reportedly been revealed, keeping his hopes of reaching the anticipated tournament alive. According to Martín Arevalo, covering ESPN Argentina, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been diagnosed with a knee injury, leaving him out for 5–8 weeks. Moreover, Gastón Edul, specialist covering Argentina national team, reports that he does not have collateral ligament tear, avoiding surgery. Nonetheless, the defender will not play with the English team this season, leaving them in a sensitive spot. CUTI OUT VARIAS SEMANAS @CutiRomero2 tiene una lesión en la rodilla que le demandará entre 5 y 8 semanas de recuperación. Dentro de la mala noticia que es que un futbolista se lesione, para la Selección es una buena noticia porque uno de sus mejores jugadores llega al Mundial. pic.twitter.com/U4SM4Czdoy — Martin Arevalo (@arevalo_martin) April 13, 2026 As a defensive cornerstone for Lionel Messi’s national team, his potential participation in the anticipated tournament would be a significant boost. Not only was he key to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also remains one of the leaders in the dressing room. However, coach Scaloni will be the one to decide whether to call him up, as his match fitness could become an issue for the opening games of the tournament. Alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero has led a great era for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup with them at the back. In addition, Lisandro Martínez also emerges as a key figure for Lionel Messi’s side, providing stability to the team. For this reason, head coach Scaloni could opt to call him up, aiming to give him minutes so he can reach full fitness, as he is key both on and off the pitch. Cristian Romero of Argentina fights for the ball with Jonathan Osorio of Canada. Cristian Romero’s absence may truly affect Tottenham Hotspur Unlike previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are going through the worst moment in their history. After dismissing Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igli Tare, they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. Because of this, Cristian Romero’s absence could prove to be the definitive blow to their season, leaving everything in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven. In case his injury extend is confirmed, Cristian will miss the remainder of the season with his club. With only five matches left, the Argentine may not return in time to help avoid relegation under Roberto De Zerbi. As a result, they will have to place their season in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, moving closer to the EFL Championship than to staying in the Premier League. Cuti Romero no tiene rotura del ligamento colateral pero tiene una lesión. No necesita operación pero si recuperación. Por lo menos seis semanas. Van a ir evaluando su evolución. No va a jugar más en Tottenham en esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/Oji1tSrCul — Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) April 13, 2026

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has reportedly called up Lisandro Martinez and Shea Lacey for the clash against Leeds United. The club’s supporters have been eagerly anticipating the team’s return to action after 24 days of inactivity due to the international break and the early FA Cup elimination. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP […] The post Insider: Man Utd ‘Cult’ hero & fearless ‘teenager’ join Carrick’s squad for Leeds clash appeared first on Stretty News.

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news. This week we're going to be talking about Pat Agyemang's injury that is going to keep him out of the World Cup, followed by the rumored rebranding of the Colorado Rapids. Lastly, we discuss Neymar's rumored move over to FC Cincinnati. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #f...

After missing the last Aston Villa game, Argentina star goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez eased the concern over his participation in the 2026 World Cup with a positive injury update. Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez sent alarm bells ringing on Sunday after being pulled from Aston Villa‘s starting lineup due to an injury, with the 2026 World Cup now less than two months away. Those fears were quickly put to rest, however, following a positive update on the Argentine goalkeeper’s condition. Aston Villa were visiting Nottingham Forest in a crucial push for UEFA Champions League qualification, with Martinez named in the starting eleven. However, during the pre-match warmup, the Argentine was visibly uncomfortable while striking the ball, prompting the club to withdraw him from the lineup and hand the gloves to Marco Bizot. The concern was swiftly alleviated when Argentine football insider Gaston Edul reported that Martinez’s withdrawal was purely precautionary. The discomfort in his left leg was entirely muscular in nature, with his calf feeling tight rather than pointing to any structural concern. The decision to keep him out was made with more than just the national team in mind. Aston Villa face Bologna in the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal next Thursday, and with Martinez so central to the club’s ambitions, the cautious approach was deemed the sensible call to protect him from any potential setback. In other news, Emi Martínez also picked up an injury during the warm-up before kickoff. pic.twitter.com/q55h9TUUNn — All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 12, 2026 Martinez has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s recent trophy haul, playing a defining role in the 2021 Copa America, producing crucial saves and a heroic penalty shootout performance at the 2022 World Cup, and repeating that heroics at the 2024 Copa America. While Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli are capable backup options, losing the Aston Villa goalkeeper to injury would represent a major blow to Argentina‘s aspirations heading into the tournament in North America. Concern grows over Cristian Romero While the anxiety surrounding Martinez has subsided, another key Argentina starter is now causing greater worry. Cristian Romero picked up a knock to his right knee during Sunday’s match against Sunderland, after being pushed from behind by striker Brian Brobbey and colliding with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, forcing him off the pitch in the 70th minute. The most troubling moment came as Romero left the field in tears, raising fears that the injury could be more serious than the initial impact suggested. With some instability detected in the knee, the defender will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the extent of the damage to the ligaments, specifically to establish whether he had sustained a medial collateral ligament injury or whether the pain was simply the result of the collision itself.

Kylian Mbappe has shared a picture of the gruesome head injury he suffered during Real Madrid’s draw with Girona. The forward was left bloodied after a nasty collision during the closing stag…

By: Isak Möller Eusebio Di Francesco provided a pretty funny yet necessary response to Francesco Camarda’s lack of playing time during a presser yesterday. Camarda joined the Via del Mare side on loan at the start of the season, a loan which includes both a buy-out and a buy-back. The idea was that Lecce would be more incentivised […] The post Lecce manager provides brilliant response to Camarda narrative: “It’s a lie” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Martin Odegaard remains part of Mikel Arteta's plans despite the injury problems that have restricted him to a bit-part role this season.

Aston Villa were dealt a blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest after Emiliano Martinez picked up an injury in the warm-up.

New Balance Arena sets the stage for a high-stakes Serie A showdown between top-four hopefuls Atalanta and Juventus. Saturday’s clash in Bergamo has all the makings of a must-win clash for both sides. The post Serie A Preview: Atalanta vs Juventus – Team News, Lineups & Prediction appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Arsenal suffered their third defeat in four matches as Mikel Arteta's side were deservedly beaten 2-1 at home by Bournemouth.

Arsenal star Mikel Merino could return from injury earlier than expected, boosting his chances of being available for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting closer, Spain are increasingly optimistic about the possibility of having Mikel Merino available. The Arsenal midfielder is progressing well in his recovery, and the initial timeline could be shortened. “He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery. He’s got no pain,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Friday during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. Merino underwent surgery in early February after suffering a fracture in his right foot during a training session with the Gunners. Initial reports pointed to a lengthy recovery process of around four months, ruling him out for the rest of the season with Arsenal and putting his World Cup participation in serious doubt. However, his recovery has progressed very well so far, and the midfielder could return to the pitch sooner than expected. “It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter,” Arteta admitted. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again,” the Arsenal manager added, showing full confidence in Merino and assuring that he “is going to push every boundary.” Merino is key for Arsenal Mikel Merino’s injury came at the worst possible time, as he had been a key piece for Arsenal in their pursuit of both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles this season. Before being sidelined in early February, the Spain international had recorded six goals and three assists in 33 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions. In addition, his versatility and attacking instinct led Arteta to deploy him not only as a midfielder, but also at times as a ‘false 9,’ providing solutions in crucial moments. Spain closely monitoring Merino’s recovery Like Arsenal, the Spain national team are closely monitoring Mikel Merino’s recovery. In Luis de la Fuente’s system, he is a key presence in midfield and, when fit, has consistently been part of the squad. Merino started every match for Spain in the World Cup qualifiers and also played an active role in their run to the UEFA Nations League final, which they lost to Portugal. That momentum was interrupted by his foot fracture, which ruled him out of the March international break.