Arsenal’s Merino to Undergo Surgery for Foot Injury, Club Considers Emergency Replacement

Merino was absent from Arsenal’s commanding 4-0 victory against Leeds United on Saturday. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that this absence was due to a foot injury. A subsequent announcement from the club on Sunday revealed that Merino has sustained a bone injury and will require surgery in the coming days. The statement further indicated that Merino is expected to be sidelined for an “extended period,” with the club hoping to have him back in training before the conclusion of the season.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the Gunners are contemplating the acquisition of a short-term emergency replacement for Merino on deadline day, potentially via a loan arrangement; however, there are “no guarantees” that any deal will materialize at this late stage in the transfer window.

This season, Merino has made 33 appearances for Arsenal and has served as a versatile option for Arteta in various roles, including midfield and as an emergency striker, a position he frequently occupies for his national team, Spain. Unfortunately, Merino will miss the upcoming March international fixtures but hopes to be fit to represent his country at the World Cup this summer.

In an earlier press conference, Arteta praised Merino’s ability to adapt to the striker role, stating: “Yes, as a striker certainly not [something he ever dreamt he could do], but that’s the thing as well that you learn when you sign a player – I knew he could offer much more than what he had, and especially after I met him for the first time. A player with that level of curiosity and passion for football makes it difficult to impose limits on his capabilities.”

Premier League leaders Arsenal have faced numerous injury setbacks this season, involving players like Bukayo Saka, who also missed the recent match against Leeds, in addition to previous absences of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori. Strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have only recently returned from long-term injuries.

The Gunners are determined to end their 22-year wait for a league title and have also topped the opening phase of the Champions League with a perfect record. Furthermore, Arteta’s squad remains active in both domestic cup competitions.

Merino will certainly be unavailable when Arsenal hosts Chelsea for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie on Tuesday, which they enter with a 3-2 aggregate lead. Arteta’s team is also set to face Sunderland at the Emirates in the Premier League four days later as they continue their pursuit of domestic success.