What Mikel Merino Surgery Means for Arsenal and Spain’s World Cup Plans

The midfield engine room at the Emirates has suddenly gone quiet, replaced by the sterile hum of an operating theatre. Just as he was beginning to dictate the tempo of the Premier League title race, news has broken that Mikel Merino surgery is required to repair a fractured foot.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for the Arsenal fans, who have watched the Spaniard transform from a summer arrival into the indestructible heartbeat of Mikel Arteta tactics. Following a bone injury in his right foot sustained during the late stages of a match against Manchester United, the club has officially announced that Mikel Merino surgery is the only path forward for his recovery.

For Mikel Arteta, losing a player of Merino's profile at this stage of the campaign is a tactical nightmare. Known for his aerial dominance and box to box energy, the Spaniard had become the "glue" in the midfield featuring Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Now, with the business end of the season approaching, the Gunners must navigate a packed schedule without their summer recruit. The Mikel Merino surgery procedure, detailed in the club's statement, underscores the severity of the Merino injury, which could sideline the 29-year-old Basque star for months.

Implications for the Spain World Cup Squad

While Arsenal fans worry about the Premier League trophy, Luis de la Fuente faces a race against time regarding his Spain World Cup Squad selection. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Merino was considered a lock for the starting XI, especially after his heroics in recent international windows. The Mikel Merino injury now casts a long shadow over his international prospects, amplifying concerns for the Spain World Cup Squad depth.

The recovery timeline for this type of Mikel Merino surgery usually stretches into several months. While the club is optimistic he could return to training before the end of the domestic season, being match-fit for a high-intensity tournament like the World Cup is a different challenge altogether. If he cannot prove his fitness by May, de la Fuente may have to look at alternatives like Martin Zubimendi or Alex Baena to fill the void in the Spain World Cup Squad.

Ultimately, the hope remains that the Mikel Merino surgery is successful and his rehabilitation goes off without a hitch. Both Arsenal’s silverware dream and the Spain World Cup Squad depth depend on the "King of Duels" making a swift and complete comeback.

Mikel Merino Stats: 2025/26 Season Review

Before the Merino injury, the 29-year-old was enjoying perhaps his most productive season in front of goal. His ability to arrive late in the box and his proficiency from set pieces provided Arsenal with a distinct offensive dimension that they had lacked in previous seasons.