Overview
- Mikel Merino has missed recent matches and is expected to be unavailable for the next few weeks, with no assurance he will feature again this season.
- Arsenal are managing his rehabilitation conservatively, reflecting a season-long approach that avoids rushing injured players back.
- Merino’s father called the problem a rare, internal stress fracture and noted uncertainty because there is little precedent for recovery timing.
- Teammate Martin Zubimendi said Merino is in pain but will do everything he can to be ready for Spain, keeping national-team hopes alive for the summer World Cup.
- CaughtOffside reported Mikel Arteta described the injury as very rare and requiring a procedure, though broader reporting emphasizes the club’s wait-and-see stance.