Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has cast uncertainty over Mikel Merino’s potential return before the end of the season, despite the Spanish international resuming solo training with the ball this week after a foot injury.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal against Brentford.
“The possibility for this weekend’s match is not there. There is still plenty to do. Everything needs to be fluid and quick if they want to have a chance to play,” Arteta said in a press conference when asked about the midfielder’s situation, as well as Jurrien Timber’s fitness issues.
Merino, who is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup, underwent surgery in February for a stress fracture in his right foot. The initial diagnosis indicated he would not return until the end of the season. The Spanish midfielder is hoping to make Luis de la Fuente’s squad and could potentially do so as a Premier League champion—Arsenal are currently top with three games remaining—and a Champions League winner, with the Gunners set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Mikel Merino: “When you take such a big risk for something worthwhile, you would always do it again.”
Regarding PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, Arteta acknowledged their high quality but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform. “We are sure we will get the job done. We knew we would face a great team whether it was Bayern or PSG. They have a lot of quality, but we trust that when the moment comes, we will do what we know,” he stated.
