Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has efficiently undergone surgical procedure after struggling a critical fracture in his proper foot.
Merino confirmed the information on February 9, 2026, sharing a constructive message from his hospital mattress on Instagram:
“Surgical procedure carried out! Already nearer to be again! Thanks for the constructive power.”
The damage occurred throughout Arsenal’s 3–2 defeat to Manchester United on January 25, 2026. Medical checks later revealed a uncommon stress fracture in his proper foot, ruling him out for the brief time period.
The present expectation is that Merino shall be sidelined for 3 to 4 months, with Arsenal hopeful he can return to first-team coaching by Could for the ultimate stretch of the season and preparation forward of the 2026 World Cup.
Switch skilled Fabrizio Romano shared the replace on their X deal with, noting the robust help Merino has acquired from teammates. One of many standout gestures got here from Martin Zubimendi, who devoted a latest aim celebration to his injured teammate.
Mikel Merino underwent surgical procedure immediately following his critical foot damage. “Already nearer to be again! Thanks for the constructive power”.
Earlier than the setback, Merino had been in sensible type for each membership and nation. For Spain, he hit a purple patch, scoring six objectives in six video games within the 2025/26 cycle, together with a first-ever senior hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Turkey nationwide workforce.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta had leaned on him as a dependable all-round presence in midfield, with Merino contributing 8 objectives and three assists throughout competitions earlier than getting injured.
In keeping with Softfootball, Merino has stayed near the squad regardless of being sidelined, providing encouragement within the dressing room and stressing the positives after robust outcomes earlier within the season.
His message from hospital summed up the temper: setback or not, he’s already targeted on the comeback.
