Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino will undergo foot surgery after injury against Manchester United, leaving Arteta without a key option in attack for weeks.
Arsenal have confirmed midfielder Mikel Merino will undergo surgery on a bone injury in his right foot. The 29-year-old was injured during last week’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. He sustained the problem late in the match after continuing to play through discomfort. Further assessments were carried out in the days that followed. Those tests confirmed surgery would be required.
Merino was not involved in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Leeds United. Speaking after that match, Mikel Arteta revealed the midfielder would see a specialist to determine the full extent of the injury. Arsenal later confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement. The club said Merino would begin rehabilitation immediately after the procedure. A return date has not been set.
Arsenal said Merino is expected to be out for an extended period. The aim is for him to return to full training before the end of the season. Arteta admitted the injury is unusual and will need close monitoring after surgery. He stressed the importance of allowing the bone to heal properly. Any setback could risk prolonging the absence.
Sources close to the club believe Merino remains optimistic about featuring again this campaign. The Spain international is understood to be targeting a return in late spring. Arsenal’s medical staff will review his progress week by week. The club is taking a cautious approach given the nature of the injury. No risks will be taken during recovery.
Merino has been a key part of Arteta’s squad since joining from Real Sociedad in August 2024. He has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season. His six goals make him Arsenal’s highest scoring midfielder. He has also contributed three assists and created 26 chances. His tactical intelligence has made him a valuable option across multiple roles.
Arteta has used Merino both as a central midfielder and in advanced positions. His physical presence and timing in the box have added a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack. That versatility makes him difficult to replace like for like. His absence removes a reliable option during a demanding run of fixtures. It is a significant blow at this stage of the season.
Merino’s injury comes with four months of football still to play. Arsenal remain active across domestic and cup competitions. Arteta confirmed the club is reviewing midfield options ahead of the transfer deadline. Any potential addition would need to make an immediate impact. That requirement narrows the available market.
Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz available. Myles Lewis Skelly also provides youthful depth. However, Ethan Nwaneri’s recent loan move to Marseille has reduced numbers. The balance between short term cover and long-term planning is now under discussion.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with 53 points from 24 matches. They host Chelsea in the League Cup semifinal second leg on Tuesday, leading 3-2 on aggregate. A league match against Sunderland follows next weekend. Managing workloads will be crucial without Merino available. Arsenal’s focus is now on maintaining momentum while supporting his recovery.
