Arsenal FC midfielder Mikel Merino is facing a major injury setback that could rule him out for the rest of the season—and potentially jeopardize his place in Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The immediate concern for Arsenal is whether Merino will return before the end of the current campaign. However, in Spain, the bigger question remains whether he will be fit enough to feature at all when the World Cup kicks off on June 11, reports alldaysport.net

Rare Foot Injury Leaves Timeline Unclear

Merino has been sidelined since early February after missing Arsenal’s Premier League clash at Elland Road. The club later confirmed he had suffered a rare foot injury that required surgery.

Despite a successful operation, no clear recovery timeline has been established. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that even medical experts are uncertain about how long the healing process will take.

“We’re talking about bone healing… it could be three, four, or five months—we simply don’t know,” Arteta explained.

World Cup 2026 in Doubt

With the World Cup fast approaching, Merino faces a race against time not only to recover but also to regain match fitness. Even if he returns in June, concerns remain about whether he will be ready to perform at the highest level.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has kept Merino in consideration but acknowledged the uncertainty. Reports in Spanish media highlight him as one of the biggest doubts for selection due to his physical condition.

Spain Have Backup Options

If Merino fails to recover in time, Spain still have strong midfield alternatives, including Fermín López and Dani Olmo, who could step into the role.

Optimistic but Uncertain Recovery

According to Merino’s family, the injury is an uncommon stress fracture located deep within the foot—explaining why recovery estimates remain vague. The Spain coach also admitted that there are “no references” for this type of injury, making it difficult to predict a return date.

As of April, Merino has still been seen wearing a protective boot, suggesting that his Arsenal season is likely over. While a return in May is considered highly optimistic, June appears more realistic—though further delays cannot be ruled out.

Final Outlook

For now, both Arsenal and Spain are left waiting. While there is optimism around Merino’s recovery, the lack of a clear timeline means his participation in the World Cup remains in serious doubt./ALLDAYSPORT/