When is Mikel Merino back from injury? Arsenal midfielder's projected return date from broken foot

When is Mikel Merino back from injury? Arsenal midfielder's projected return date from broken foot originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Mikel Merino has been a valuable player under Mikel Arteta since signing for Arsenal from Real Sociedad in August 2024.

The 29-year-old has proven adept both in his preferred midfield role and as an auxiliary striker for the Gunners, playing an important part in their Premier League title charge this season.

However, Merino now looks likely to miss much of the remainder of 2025/26 after it was confirmed he had suffered a broken foot. The player himself said he "can't wait to be back on the pitch soon, helping my team and doing what I love", but it will likely be some time before he is able to do so.

Here is the latest on Merino's projected return date, and how big a loss he will be for Arsenal.

MORE:Arsenal's latest injury picture and when stars will return

When is Mikel Merino back from injury?

It is unclear when exactly Merino will return from injury, but Arsenal hope to have him back before the end of the season.

The club said he faces "an extended period" out of action as he requires surgery to repair his broken foot. It is likely that Merino will return to training at some point in late April or early May, meaning he could be available for the final weeks of the season.

Merino wrote on his Instagram page: "Time to stop now with a foot injury. Sometimes life throws this kind of challenges when is [sic] less convenient. Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team and together we will come back stronger."

Arsenal's last Premier League game of 2025/26 is against Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 24. The FA Cup final, should the Gunners progress that far in the competition, is on May 16.

The UEFA Champions League final takes place in Budapest on May 30. Arsenal are in the Round of 16 after topping the league phase and will learn their first knockout-stage opponents on February 27.

How did Mikel Merino get injured?

Merino sustained the injury during Arsenal's 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United on January 25.

He came on for Martin Odegaard in the 58th minute and scored his side's equaliser from a corner in the closing stages before Matheus Cunha fired home a late winner for the Red Devils.

Merino completed the match but was absent for the Gunners' 4-0 victory at Leeds United a week later.

How important is Mikel Merino to Arsenal?

Merino has played 33 games for Arsenal in all competitions this season, but the fact he has only started 10 times in the Premier League shows he is not part of Arteta's strongest XI.

However, the Spain international's versatility makes him a hugely important part of the squad.

Although nominally a midfielder, Merino has proven adept as a makeshift centre-forward. He started 12 games in that position in 2024/25 when Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were out injured; in fact, according to Sky Sports, he has played nearly half his overall minutes in the league as a striker since the start of last season.

Merino has registered six goals and three assists in all competitions this term, with only Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard (both seven), Gabriel Martinelli (10) and Viktor Gyokeres (11) scoring more. His goal threat is something Arsenal will miss in the coming weeks, although Havertz's return to full fitness should ease those concerns.

The bigger question is whether Arsenal will feel they need a replacement midfielder. Merino is an able back-up to all three of their first-choice central midfielders — Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice — and summer signing Christian Norgaard, who was brought in to provide additional cover, has only played 21 minutes in the league all season.

The transfer window closes on February 2, so Arsenal will need to move quickly if they wish to find cover in the market.