7M - Mikel Merino Facing Extended Absence Due to Foot Injury

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is set to be sidelined for a significant period due to a suspected broken bone in his foot. The north London club announced on Sunday that Merino will undergo surgery in the coming days.

Arsenal is exploring the market for a potential loan to cover his absence, but no guarantees have been made at this time. The timeline for Merino's return remains uncertain as assessments continue.

The 29-year-old missed Arsenal's recent victory over Leeds United, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that it was due to this injury. Merino has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season and was also unavailable for the final Champions League group match against Kairat due to suspension.

Since joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024, Merino has made 77 appearances for the club.

In addition to Merino, Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka for the 4-0 win at Leeds; he withdrew during the warm-up after feeling discomfort. Noni Madueke replaced him in the starting lineup, and Arteta later described Saka's issue as "a niggle."

Arsenal has faced several injury challenges this season, with Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, and Kai Havertz all missing significant time. Havertz made his first start of the season against Kairat in the Champions League and followed it with a Premier League start against Leeds.

Currently, Arsenal is at the top of the Premier League and will face Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.