Mikel Merino playfully spoke about the prospect of competing against Arsenal teammate William Saliba as Spain prepares to face France in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
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Arsenal teammates Mikel Merino and William Saliba have played crucial roles for their national teams in the ongoing World Cup, with Merino netting deciding goals for Spain against Portugal and Belgium, while Saliba has been instrumental for France, achieving four clean sheets across five matches.
However, only one of them can advance to the World Cup final as Spain faces France on Tuesday night.
During an interview with Spanish media, Merino mentioned that while he hasn’t communicated with Saliba during the World Cup, they have previously shared laughs about the idea of competing against each other.
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“I haven’t talked to him during the World Cup,” Merino stated. “However, we did share conversations at Arsenal previously, back when I was in a striker role. We joked about the possibility of dueling one day.”
This anticipated match-up is almost here, despite Merino initially doubting his participation in the World Cup due to a lengthy injury that kept him sidelined at the beginning of the 2026 season.
“When I reflect on it, I see myself with my foot elevated, swollen, and in pain, unable to get up to even grab a book, relying on others for help with everything,” Merino recounted. “Two months with my foot off the ground felt like an eternity.”
“As I mentioned before, simply being present at the World Cup meant I would cherish everything much more. Hence, you can understand the significance of this moment for me.”
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Saliba is expected to be available for France on Tuesday, although he was absent from training this weekend due to following a special regimen to prevent aggravating a back injury.
David Raya and Martin Zubimendi are also set to be included in the squad for the match, though both have yet to make appearances in the tournament.
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