Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has recently undergone surgery for a right foot injury he sustained in January.
The Spain international incurred a stress fracture during Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on January 25.
The club anticipates that Merino will be sidelined for a considerable amount of time.
Merino, who is 29 years old, shared a photo on Instagram from his hospital bed giving a thumbs-up, captioning it: “Surgery done! Already closer to being back. Thank you so much for all your messages and love. It really gives me more energy to tackle this challenge. Vamos!”
According to sources in Spain, Merino is hopeful about returning to the pitch in May and making the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta mentioned that it’s challenging to predict Merino’s exact return date.
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“This is a very uncommon injury, so we need to monitor how it reacts daily after the surgery and throughout the weeks following,” the Spaniard stated.
Merino has played in 33 matches for the Gunners this season, netting four goals and providing three assists in 21 league appearances for the Premier League leaders.