New Mikel Merino injury update amid World Cup hopes

Another update on the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged from Spain, as he races to be fit after his foot surgery.

Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images

Spanish outlet AS reports that Mikel Merino has been seen at Arsenal’s training ground without crutches, and that it’s estimated he’ll be able to run again in two or three weeks.

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If there are no setbacks in the player’s recovery, it’s expected that he should be ready for the World Cup.

AS add that Merino had to have a screw inserted in his heel as part of his operation, but the doctors and the player himself are convinced he’ll be fit in time for this summer’s tournament.

Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images

This update follows another recent report from Spain, with Sport claiming it was far from certain that Merino would feature at the World Cup.

Sport added that Spain boss Luis De La Fuente is prepared to wait until the last possible moment to include the player, but there are no guarantees.

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It seems AS are more confident, and perhaps their timeline even suggests the player could play for Arsenal before the season is out. But taking the two reports in aggregate, maybe the most realistic outcome is that Merino reaches full fitness just as the club season comes to an end.

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Merino had scored six and assisted three goals for Arsenal before his injury in January, but he’s already missed three months of football since then. It appears likely he’s facing another month out before a potential comeback.