Mikel Merino
ARSSpain
Left
Jun 22, 1996
29
6'2"
183 lb
CM
CF
Creative Playmaker
ArsenalSet 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.
Will receive surgery
Merino (foot) has suffered a bone injury and is set for surgery, according to his club.
Analysis: Merino looks to be facing a longer absence after he suffered a foot injury, with the attacker confirmed to be dealing with a bone injury that will force surgery. Unfortunately, he is now looking at months out, although he is expected to return to training ahead of the end of the season. With his absence, time will open up in the midfield, with Eberechi Eze likely to work into more time, a rough loss for the club as they continue to eye a league title.
Suffers foot issue
Merino (foot) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, coach Mikel Arteta said to the media. "He's got an issue in his foot. It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out."
Analysis: Merino is suffering from a bone issue in his foot that is causing him some pain and forced him to be sidelined for Saturday's clash against Leeds United. The midfielder will need to be assessed by additional specialists in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue and how long he will be sidelined for the Gunners. Kai Havertz is stepping into midfield and should see more playing time until Merino returns to full fitness.
Available again
Merino has completed his one-match suspension in Champions League play versus Kairat, becoming an option for upcoming fixtures in all competitions.
Analysis: Merino has been in and out of the starting lineup lately, so the possibility of his return doesn't guarantee him a starting role, especially after Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze performed well in the last UCL match. However, Merino scored his sixth goal of the season during his most recent Premier League appearance, pushing to carry a productive momentum if given enough time on the field.
Scores off bench
Merino (suspension) scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Analysis: Merino was able to get enough contact on the ball in a scrum to put it past Man United's defenders and into the goal. We'll see if that leads to a bigger role Wednesday in Kairat in UCL play, especially since Arsenal might rotate the squad more with a condensed part of the schedule coming up.
Will miss last UCL game
Merino will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of three yellow cards in the Champions League.
Analysis: Merino accumulated three yellow cards in the Champions League and will be suspended for the last league phase game against Kairat next Wednesday. His absence will impact the starting squad since he has been an undisputed starter in the midfield for the Gunners in the UCL, with Christian Norgaard as the main option to replace him in the heart of the game for that clash.
Scores opener, adds assist late
Merino scored one goal and assisted once from three shots and two chances created in Wednesday's 2-0 victory versus Brentford.
Analysis: Merino continues to deliver in any role, scoring his second goal in as many matches and also setting up Arsenal's insurance goal. He should play in some capacity against Aston Villa but it's a tough matchup, as the side has only conceded 14 goals in 14 EPL games.
Scores equalizer
Merino scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Analysis: Merino put away an important goal to give Arsenal something after being gifted a man advantage. The midfielder has been vital for Mikel Arteta and should be in the lineup again Wednesday against a Brentford team which has allowed 20 goals in 13 EPL matches.
Assists opener Sunday
Merino assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-1 victory versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Merino recorded his second assist of the season Sunday, both of which have come in his last two appearances. He set up Leandro Trossard's opener with a brilliant lofted pass to break through the Spurs' back line in the 36th minute. It was the only chance he created in the match. He was subbed off in the 88th minute for Ethan Nwaneri.
Logs assist in draw
Merino assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Merino has filled in for the injured Viktor Gyokeres admirably, now tallying two goals and an assist in his last two matches. He should remain in the starting lineup when Arsenal host Tottenham in two weeks.
Nets brace in start
Merino scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Slavia Prague. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 37th minute.
Analysis: Merino was put into the starting XI as a forward in surprising fashion but the move paid off with two goals for the veteran midfielder. This performance is likely to earn Merino the start on Saturday against Sunderland, a side which has conceded just eight goals this season and sits fourth in the table.
Scores equalizing goal
Merino scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Merino provided a nice spark for Arsenal, who were fighting for an equalizer for much of the game. The midfielder is likely to be among the subs in UCL action Wednesday against Olympiacos, a team which has been excellent domestically on defense to start this season.
Starts in cup
Merino got the start as a central striker during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Merino has been utilized as a depth option at striker and in central midfield. He's been decent in both roles, and with Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Kai Havertz (knee) both on the sideline he's the second choice striker once more. Merino will remain a bench option for the most part, but he should get chances in various competitions and off the bench.
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