Mikel Merino set for foot surgery, Arsenal weigh emergency transfer

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to be out for an “extended period” and is set to undergo surgery on a foot injury sustained late in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United, the club said. Merino missed the club’s 4-0 win at Leeds after Mikel Arteta confirmed the absence was due to a foot problem.

A subsequent club statement described the issue as a bone injury that will require surgery in the coming days, while the club aims to have him back in training before the end of the season. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports Arsenal are considering a short-term emergency option to cover Merino on deadline day, possibly a loan move, but there are “no guarantees” anything will materialise at this stage.

Merino has made 33 appearances this season and has been used by Arteta in multiple roles, including in midfield and as a makeshift striker. He is set to miss the March internationals but will hope to be fit to represent Spain at the World Cup in the summer. Arsenal have coped with a series of injuries this season, with Bukayo Saka (who also missed the Leeds game) among others previously sidelined; Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori have had time out, and Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have only just returned.

The Gunners top the Premier League, topped their Champions League opening phase and remain in both domestic cups as they chase a first league title in 22 years.

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