Merino Returns to Arsenal Training After Foot Fracture
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- Mikel Merino suffered a rare stress fracture in an unusual part of his right foot in late January, which doctors estimated would keep him out for about five months and left him unable to walk for two months.
- Mikel Merino is set to resume full training with Arsenal on Friday, aiming to be available for the Sunday Premier League match against Crystal Palace and remaining in contention for the Champions League final versus Paris Saint‑Germain.
- Mikel Merino has logged 77 appearances for Arsenal since joining in summer 2024, tallying 15 goals and eight assists, and has been named to the first‑team leadership group.
- Mikel Merino said he chose to stay positive during his rehab, using the period to work on other aspects of his game rather than succumb to despair.
Why it matters: Arsenal regains a versatile midfielder for the decisive Crystal Palace fixture and the Champions League final, bolstering their title push, while Merino finally gets the chance to contribute after a five‑month layoff.
