Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino’s recovery is progressing, but reports in Spain say his place at the World Cup is still far from guaranteed.

Mikel Merino has missed 19 matches since going under the knife in January

Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League title-defining clash on Sunday afternoon. City claimed a 3-0 victory at Chelsea in their last league fixture, while Arsenal suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth. Match preview City head into this clash full of confidence. They have collected 14 points from their […]

DECLAN RICE is a major doubt for Arsenal's Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon tomorrow. The Arsenal midfielder has not trained at London Colney today in a massive blow for Mikel Arteta. Bukayo Saka, Ricciardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are all out for the visit of Sporting. Arsenal won the first...

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.

Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber have both missed Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP on Tuesday night.

Arsenal travel to Portugal to take on Sporting Lisbon tonight in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, live on talkSPORT. The Gunners are looking to get back on track in Europe, after a n…

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber will miss the Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon, with Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino also sidelined

Arsenal’s latest setback has enhanced fears they could still let the Premier League title slip away. The Gunners’ hopes of winning the treble were ended on Saturday night in embarrassin…