‎Mikel Merino Injury Blow Leaves Arsenal Considering Emergency Transfer Cover

‎Arsenal’s season has taken another hit after it emerged that midfielder Mikel Merino is likely to be sidelined for a prolonged period due to a foot injury. The Spaniard suffered the problem late in last weekend’s loss to Manchester United and is now scheduled to undergo surgery, putting the remainder of his campaign in serious doubt.

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Mikel Merino is expected to miss an extended period after a foot injury, with Arsenal confirming surgery and weighing up short-term transfer solutions.

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‎The 29-year-old was missing from the matchday squad as Arsenal swept aside Leeds United 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. Following that game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Merino’s absence was down to a foot issue rather than selection.

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‎On Sunday, Arsenal issued an official update confirming that Merino has sustained a bone injury and will require an operation in the coming days. The club stated that he will be unavailable for an “extended period,” although there is hope he can return to training before the season comes to a close.

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‎With Merino set for a lengthy spell out, Arsenal are understood to be assessing emergency solutions in the winter transfer window. The aim would be to provide Arteta with additional cover during a crucial stage of the campaign.

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‎David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the Gunners are weighing up a short-term signing on deadline day, potentially through a loan arrangement. However, he cautioned that there are no assurances that any deal will be finalised given the timing.

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‎Merino has played 33 times across all competitions this season and has become an important squad player thanks to his versatility. Arteta has used him in various midfield roles and even as a stand-in striker, a position Merino is familiar with from his appearances for Spain. While he is set to miss the March international break, the midfielder is targeting a return in time for the World Cup in the summer.

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‎Arteta previously spoke glowingly about Merino’s adaptability, explaining that the player’s curiosity and passion for football allow him to contribute in unexpected positions, including up front.

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‎The injury compounds Arsenal’s ongoing fitness problems this season. Bukayo Saka was also absent against Leeds, while Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori have all missed time earlier in the campaign. Strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have only just returned from long-term injuries.

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‎Even so, Arsenal remain well positioned across competitions. They are currently leading the Premier League as they chase their first league title in 22 years, topped the Champions League opening phase with a flawless record, and are still alive in both domestic cup competitions.

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‎Merino will definitely be unavailable when Arsenal host Chelsea on Tuesday in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, holding a 3-2 aggregate lead. Four days later, Arteta’s side will return to league action at home against Sunderland as their push for domestic honours continues.