Arsenal announced in their official website that midfielder Mikel Merino picked up a foot injury late in the January 25 match against Manchester United. The report then mentions that follow-up checks and specialist assessments have since confirmed that he has a bone injury in his right foot.
Mikel is now set to undergo surgery in the coming days, after which he will begin his recovery and rehabilitation. He is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period, with the hope of returning to full training before the season ends. The club statement concluded by emphasising that the focus is on supporting him throughout his recovery and helping him get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
So how much will Mikel Merino's absence affect Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's title hopes? Let's analyse
Why Mikel Merino is different from Arsenal's other central midfielders
Arsenal boasts of one of the best midfields in the Premier League, featuring world-class talent such as Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice. However, what makes Merino unique from all these players is his diversity. The Spanish international is one of those rare players who's almost equally good both as a central midfielder and as a striker. This ability of Merino has been utilised by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta whenever Arsenal were short in attack during periods of injury crisis.
One may argue that Kai Havertz is another player with a similar ability, as Mikel Arteta has also used the German midfielder both as a false 9 and central midfielder. However, the major difference in both cases is that Havertz has been a disappointment for the majority of his Arsenal career as a forward and midfielder. There's no denying that he's been Impressive since returning from injury, but until Havertz excels in midfield and attack for Arsenal, we can't compare him with Merino. Thus, the prolonged absence of Merino will be a Huge blow for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
Are Arsenal looking to sign a replacement for Mikel Merino before the January Transfer Window closes?
Shortly after Mikel Merino's injury was confirmed, a huge transfer had come up that Arsenal were interested in signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, although we feel there is absolutely no chance the Magpies will let go of such a crucial player this late in the window. Bringing back Ethan Nwaneri, who was loaned to Marseille, looks impossible as well. Thus, Arsenal will have to look at other options. Mikel Arteta has confirmed in his press conference that Arsenal are looking at a late transfer for a Merino replacement, so we'll have to wait and see how the situation develops?
