Arsenal and Spain are braced for an anxious spell after Mikel Merino underwent surgery today on a fractured foot, The Sporting News understands.

The 29-year-old had been hopeful of returning to running by late April, with a view to featuring again before the end of the campaign.

However, the procedure underlines the scale of the setback and leaves both club and country waiting on his recovery.

Merino is understood to be targeting a return in time for this summer’s World Cup.

The Spain international was part of the Euro 2024-winning squad and started La Roja’s final six matches of 2025, scoring six goals during that run.

Merino could be back on the grass in May a month that may prove decisive for Arsenal, who remain in contention across four competitions.

 

Despite the Gunners opening up a nine-point gap with victory over Sunderland, Mikel Arteta played down its importance.

“We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. So, there’s no focus on that, that’s something else.”

Merino is guaranteed to miss Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March.

However, should the north London side reach the FA Cup final on May 16, there is optimism he could be available.

There is also a slim possibility Merino could feature in the Champions League semi-finals if Arsenal reach the last four once again, with the final in Budapest scheduled for May 30.