Arsenal’s Premier League campaign has hit a significant hurdle with the confirmed long-term absence of Mikel Merino, a key midfielder whose versatility and consistency have been vital to Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Spanish international, who has featured in 33 matches across all competitions this season, is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken bone in his right foot. The injury, sustained towards the end of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United on January 25, 2026, was initially shrouded in uncertainty but has now been clarified following specialist assessments and a club statement.
When Arsenal’s lineup was announced for their Premier League fixture at Elland Road against Leeds United on February 1, 2026, fans were quick to notice Merino’s absence. With Arteta making nine changes to the side that had recently beaten Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, many assumed Merino was simply being rested. However, the truth emerged ahead of kickoff. Arteta addressed the media, stating, “He’s got an issue in his foot. It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out.”
The seriousness of Merino’s injury became apparent as the day unfolded. Reports surfaced that Arsenal’s medical staff were concerned about a ‘serious’ issue, with fears that the midfielder could miss several weeks of action. By Sunday evening, the club confirmed supporters’ worst fears: Merino would require surgery in the coming days and was expected to be out for a considerable period. According to the official Arsenal statement, “Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.”
Merino’s absence is a significant blow for Arsenal, especially considering his importance to Arteta’s tactical setup. Since joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024, Merino has made 77 appearances for the Gunners. He has been a reliable utility option, filling in not just in his preferred midfield role but also as a makeshift striker—a position he has also covered for Spain. Arteta has previously praised Merino’s adaptability and work ethic, remarking, “I knew he could offer much more than what he had, and especially after I met him for the first time because a player that has that amount of curiosity, the way he loves his profession and football, it’s difficult to put limits to that.”
Before this setback, Merino was one of only three Arsenal players—alongside David Raya and Myles Lewis-Skelly—not to have missed a game through injury this season. His durability and tactical intelligence have allowed Arteta to rotate his squad effectively, a crucial factor given Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. The Gunners currently sit atop the Premier League, have topped their Champions League group with a perfect record, and remain in contention in both domestic cup competitions.
The timing of Merino’s injury couldn’t be worse. Arsenal’s midfield resources are already stretched, with Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri unlikely to provide immediate cover—Nwaneri having recently gone out on loan to Marseille. The burden will now fall heavily on Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard, all of whom have endured busy schedules this season. There’s also talk of Ebere Eze stepping up to fill the void. While Eze isn’t a like-for-like replacement, his ability to play in central attacking areas could offer Arteta some tactical flexibility. However, Eze’s performances for the Gunners thus far have been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to ball retention, though his match-winning potential is undeniable.
With the transfer window closing imminently on February 2, 2026, Arsenal are actively surveying the market for a short-term loan signing to bolster their midfield. David Ornstein of The Athletic reported, “Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino expected to miss considerable period with suspected broken bone in foot. #AFC surveying market for potential loan as short-term cover for 29yo Spain intl; no guarantee anything materialises before deadline.” The urgency is palpable, but with time running short, it remains uncertain whether Technical Director Andrea Berta can secure reinforcements before the window slams shut.
Arsenal’s injury woes this season have been well-documented. In addition to Merino, the club has seen key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz all spend time on the treatment table. Saka, notably, was also absent for the 4-0 win at Leeds after pulling up during the warm-up, replaced by Noni Madueke. Havertz, for his part, made his first Premier League start of the campaign against Leeds, having only just returned from his own long-term injury.
The Gunners’ depth, bolstered by summer signings, has allowed them to weather the storm thus far. Yet the loss of Merino, a player trusted by Arteta to manage both the creative and defensive demands of the midfield, will test the squad’s resilience. With fixtures coming thick and fast—including a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea on February 4 and a Premier League clash with Sunderland on February 8—the pressure is on for Arsenal to find solutions quickly.
Looking ahead, Merino is set to miss the March international break, ruling him out of Spain’s fixtures. Nevertheless, the midfielder remains hopeful of regaining fitness in time for the 2026 World Cup this summer. The club’s medical staff and coaching team are united in their support. “Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible,” Arsenal stated in their official communication.
As the Gunners push for their first Premier League title in 22 years and chase glory on multiple fronts, the coming weeks will reveal whether their squad depth and adaptability can withstand yet another test. For now, Arsenal fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting positive updates on Mikel Merino’s recovery, hoping to see their midfield linchpin back in action before the season draws to a close.