Mikel Merino
ARSSpain
Left
Jun 22, 1996
29
6'2"
183 lb
CM
CF
Creative Playmaker
ArsenalRanking
News
Set to miss several months
Merino (foot) successfully underwent surgery and has begun a lengthy recovery process that is expected to take several months, coach Mikel Arteta said in the press conference. "I think the doctors were really happy with the way the surgery went. Now it's the start of obviously a long process, we're talking about bone healing. So, we'll respect the timings, and I'm sure he's going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery. The timeframes we're talking about are months - whether it's three, four or five, we don't know."
Analysis: Merino has gone under the knife to repair a foot injury and is now staring at a long rehab road that's expected to stretch over several months. At this point, a comeback before the end of the season is looking more and more unlikely. The versatile midfielder had locked down a regular starting spot for the Gunners and was putting together a strong campaign, with June's World Cup firmly on his radar. This setback could sideline him for the remainder of the season in the worst case scenario and may ultimately rule him out of contention for La Roja as well.
Eyeing return to end season
Merino (foot) has received his surgery and is hoping to return to end the season, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per Tom Canton of Football London. "Well, we hope [he is available to end the season]. Let's see. It's a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How that reacts daily. Obviously, monitor it throughout the week for the surgery. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quick as possible. But, as well, he has to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it's an injury that is quite rare."
Analysis: Merino is set for surgery in the next week and that puts some question marks around the attacker, as he is attempting to return ahead of the end of the season. This will be dependent on his recovery following his operation, as he will be unable to put weight on the injury for around eight weeks, set to do limited work until he can run again near the end of April. That will then leave the midfielder with only May to return as the season nears its end, potentially getting back into the team to end the campaign and for any finals the club qualified for.
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