Overview
- The 29-year-old midfielder missed more than four months after suffering a rare stress fracture in an unusual part of his foot during the January 25 match versus Manchester United and required surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Merino said his foot is 'great' and that he feels 'fit and ready' after a recovery that included two months on crutches and use of a mobility scooter during the early stages.
- Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Merino has begun formal reintegration with the first-team group and that the club will assess his match fitness before naming him on the bench for the Crystal Palace game or considering him for the Champions League final.
- Merino credited dressing-room support, Arsenal’s medical and conditioning staff, and a positive mindset for helping him overcome the psychological strain of fearing he might miss the season and the World Cup.
- The injury’s unusual location caused diagnostic uncertainty because there were few precedents, so Arsenal will closely monitor his workload in training to judge whether he can safely contribute in the coming matches and re-enter contention for Spain’s World Cup squad.