Arsenal’s Mikel Merino sidelined long-term after surgery: a tough road ahead
1 February 2026
Injury confirms long absence
Arsenal have announced that Mikel Merino will miss a lengthy spell after undergoing surgery in the coming days.
Merino picked up the injury in the club's recent 3-2 loss to Manchester United in matchweek 23 of the Premier League.
In a statement on Arsenal's official site, the club said that following evaluations and specialist reviews, Merino is dealing with a fracture in his right foot, requiring surgery.
It added that Merino will undergo surgery in the coming days, followed by a rehabilitation program.
He is expected to be out for a long period as he works to return to full training before the end of the season.
Everyone's focus is on supporting Merino to ensure a swift return to full fitness.
Current table and Merino's impact
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with 53 points, six ahead of Manchester City in second place.
Merino, who can also play as a striker at times, has appeared 33 times for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
Punchline 1: The medical team is aiming for sniper-grade precision—one clear shot at recovery, and a sharp return to the pitch.
Punchline 2: If patience were a weapon, Arsenal would be a sniper squad—calibrated to hit the target just as Merino is back in action.
