Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres send messages after devastating Arsenal blow
Mikel Merino has shared an update after he underwent surgery on a foot injury that is expected to rule him out for the rest of the season.
Arsenal considered replacements after Merino’s injury emerged, but were ultimately happy with their midfield depth.
Ethan Nwaneri was loaned out to Marseille this month, but the Gunners retain several options in the middle of the park.
Christian Norgaard is one candidate for an increased role, with the Dane seeming to impress every time he does get a chance.
The Premier League title race has been kept alive by Man City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, with Arsenal needing to keep winning their games to hammer home their advantage.
Arsenal stars send messages to Mikel Merino
There is no doubt that Merino‘s injury will serve as a huge blow for Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
Not only is the Spaniard a strong option in the midfield – he is a constant goal threat who always seems to pop up with key moments in big games.
This season already, the 29-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists, with three of those coming in games against Tottenham, Chelsea, Brentford and Man United.
| Mikel Merino | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Tackles | 26 |
| Recoveries | 55 |
| Duels won | 79 |
In the Champions League especially, Merino’s absence will surely be felt. Last season, he was crucial to the run that saw Mikel Arteta‘s side knocked out at the semi-final stage.
Serving as an auxiliary striker, the Spaniard played a direct hand in three of Arsenal’s five goals against Real Madrid, and looked to have scored against PSG, too, before VAR adjudged him to be offside.
The Gunners will hope that the likes of Eberechi Eze and Norgaard will make up for the hole left by Merino, with both players keen for more game time.
Taking to social media to share a picture post-surgery on Monday, Merino wrote: “Surgery done! Already closer to be back.
“Thank you so much to everyone for your messages and love. It really gives me even more energy to face the challenge. Vamos!”
Viktor Gyokeres shared a fist pump and heart emoji along with several other Arsenal stars, while Declan Rice wrote: “With you brother“.
Martin Zubimendi shares tribute to Merino
It said a lot about how Merino is thought of by his Arsenal teammates when Martin Zubimendi publicly sent him a message on Saturday.
The midfielder opened the scoring in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Sunderland, finding the net with a stunning low drive from the edge of the box.
Zubimendi celebrated with Merino’s signature move – a nod to his father – by running around the corner flag and pumping his fists to the fans.
The two Spaniards share a special connection, having dominated the midfield together for years in the colours of Real Sociedad.