Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt a significant injury setback, with midfielder Mikel Merino ruled out for what is described as a 'sustained spell' due to a foot problem. The news comes at a pivotal moment in the Premier League season, potentially impacting the Gunners' title ambitions.
Injury Details and Arteta's Comments
Merino was unexpectedly omitted from Arsenal's matchday squad for their recent 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, having previously appeared as a substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. When questioned about the Spaniard's absence, Arteta revealed the issue stems from a painful bone in his foot.
'He's got an issue in his foot,' Arteta told reporters. '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.'
Expected Absence and Impact
According to reports from the BBC, Merino is facing a 'sustained spell on the sidelines', with the severity and precise nature of the injury expected to become clearer within the next 48 hours. The midfielder is likely to be unavailable for 'a number of weeks', which represents a considerable blow for the league leaders.
Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in 2024, has become an invaluable asset due to his versatility. Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, he has frequently been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward by Arteta, contributing both goals and tactical flexibility.
Season Contributions and Context
This season, the 29-year-old has scored four goals in the Premier League and added two more in the Champions League, highlighting his importance to the squad. His absence comes as Arsenal seek to maintain their position at the top of the table, following a mixed run of results that included the loss to Manchester United before the emphatic win against Leeds.
The injury news casts a shadow over what has otherwise been a positive period for the club, with players like Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel Jesus all finding the net in the recent victory. Arsenal will now need to adapt their strategies in Merino's absence, testing the depth of their squad during a critical phase of the campaign.
