Arsenal have been handed a major injury setback, with Mikel Arteta confirming that Mikel Merino faces a long spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a rare stress fracture in his right foot.
Speaking on February 11, 2026 as confirmed by fabrizo Romano via their official x handle, Arteta admitted the recovery timeline is uncertain:
“Whether it is three, four, or five months… we don’t know.”
While the club are hopeful Merino can return before the end of the season in May, the manager stressed that bone healing is unpredictable and the priority is getting the midfielder back fully fit.
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Merino picked up the injury during Arsenal’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United on January 25. The Spaniard has since had successful surgery and shared an upbeat update from hospital, telling fans he’s already “closer to being back.” His absence is a blow at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Arsenal fighting on multiple fronts.
Despite the setback, Arteta struck a defiant tone about the run-in. After a tough January, he urged players and supporters to approach the final months with “enjoyment, courage, and conviction,” insisting Arsenal have earned the right to compete for four trophies. The Gunners’ strength from set-pieces has also been a key weapon in their title push, with Arteta crediting coach Nicolas Jover and the team’s mindset for turning dead-ball situations into goals.
Softfootball reports describe Merino’s injury as a “big blow,” but there is confidence inside the club that the squad has the depth to cope. Before the injury, Merino had been a core part of Arteta’s midfield rotation, making 33 appearances across competitions with 6 goals and 3 league assists this season.
For now, Arsenal will have to navigate the title race and cup commitments without one of their most reliable midfield engines hoping the recovery goes to plan and Merino can still play a part before the season close
