Overview
- Arsenal said Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot and will undergo surgery in the coming days, ruling him out for an extended period.
- The club aims for Merino to return to full training before the season ends after he was hurt late in the January 25 match against Manchester United and then missed games against Kairat and Leeds.
- Reporting from The Athletic and others says Arsenal are surveying short‑term or loan options for cover before Monday’s 7pm GMT deadline, with no guarantee a deal will materialise.
- Merino has produced six goals and three assists in 33 appearances this season and has been used across midfield and as a makeshift forward, making his skill set difficult to replace quickly.
- Arsenal are also monitoring Bukayo Saka after a warm‑up issue at Leeds, and recent squad moves such as Ethan Nwaneri’s loan to Marseille have tightened internal cover.