Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino has been key for both the Premier League side and Spain.
The midfielder last featured in the Gunners’ 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in January. He picked up an injury for which he underwent surgery and has been on the sidelines since then.
This forced the Arsenal star to miss the March international break and several fixtures for Mikel Arteta’s side.
On March 20th, we relayed news that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is worried about the 29-year-old ahead of the World Cup.
A week later, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the player remains confident of making it to the tournament.
Updates on injured Arsenal player
AS state Mikel Merino was without crutches at Arsenal’s training ground last Friday and the estimation is that he will ‘run again in two to three weeks’.
If there are no further setbacks, he should travel with Spain to the United States and Mexico in June.
The former Real Sociedad man had a ‘screw inserted in his heel’. Both the player and national team doctors are convinced he will be fit on time for the World Cup.
Merino plays an important role for La Roja and showcased that during their European championship success in 2024. Therefore, Luis de la Fuente hopes the player regains full fitness soon so that he can make himself available for the World Cup.
The newspaper makes no mention whether the Spain international will be able to make any appearances for Arsenal this season. His return from injury would be a major boost for the Gunners in the title race.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
After last weekend’s defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side, the Gunners are three points ahead of second placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The north London club have five league matches and at least two more in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal’s remaining matches this season are as follows:
- v Newcastle United [home] on April 25th
- v Atlético Madrid [away] on April 29th
- v Fulham [home] on May 2nd
- v Atlético Madrid [home] on May 5th
- v West Ham United [away] on May 10th
- v Burnley [home] TBD
- v Crystal Palace [away] on May 24th
