In accordance with the BBC, Arsenal are going through a critical damage with Mikel Merino set to be out for an “prolonged interval”.
The 29-year-old Spain worldwide was absent from the Gunners’ 4-0 thrashing of Leeds United on Saturday, elevating fears {that a} critical foot damage may break his glorious season.
Supervisor Mikel Arteta confirmed the previous Actual Sociedad star will likely be seen by a specialist after complaining of persistent ache.
Mikel Merino is a key participant for Arsenal
Since becoming a member of in August 2024, Merino has turn out to be a key participant in Mikel Arteta’s facet.
Merino has already scored six targets and assisted an extra three in all competitions, offering a singular scoring risk and sometimes saving Arsenal in shut video games.
| competitors | app | the objective | help |
|---|---|---|---|
| premier league | twenty one | 4 | 3 |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| complete | 33 | 6 | 3 |
Mikel Merino’s 25/26 match stats in all competitions (by way of Transfermarkt)
His tactical versatility can be necessary. Merino’s presence has allowed Arteta to successfully rotate his squad, whether or not defending the again 4 alongside Declan Rice or appearing as an “emergency striker” throughout late-game surges.
His absence will go away a giant gap in Arteta’s group as they’ve a tricky schedule forward of them in February, together with the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final towards Chelsea and the resumption of Champions League soccer.
Will Arsenal lose the league title?
Regardless of being hit by accidents, Arsenal are at the moment high of the desk.
Victory at Elland Street took the Gunners to 53 factors from 24 video games, placing them seven factors clear on the high of the Premier League.
After ending runners-up for 3 seasons in a row, the North London facet are lastly seen because the group to beat.
Nonetheless, the timing of Merino’s damage, mixed with Bukayo Saka’s late scare throughout Leeds’ warm-up, has reignited considerations in regards to the squad’s depth.
Arsenal are seen as favorites to win this 12 months’s title, however with latest outcomes not on their facet, a setback may have an effect on the group’s morale.
Arteta is hoping his facet can get via this era with out falling additional again and preserve their lead on the high of the desk.
