![\"Mikel](\"https:\/\/cdn.sportwitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mikelmerinospain.jpg\")
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Arsenal\u2019s Mikel Merino remains hopeful to soon regain fitness and make it to the World Cup with Spain. <\/strong><\/p>\n The midfielder last made an appearance in Arsenal\u2019s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United in January. He scored his side\u2019s second goal at the Emirates.<\/p>\n Merino underwent foot surgery and has been on the sidelines since then. Prior to going under the knife, Mikel Arteta said it\u2019s a \u201cvery rare injury\u201d and was unsure of his return.<\/p>\n The Gunners also haven\u2019t made a clear communication on when the Spain international could be back in action.<\/p>\n On February 4th, Arsenal midfielder Mart\u00edn Zubimendi said he\u2019s unsure of his compatriot\u2019s involvement at the World Cup. He said the 29-year-old had gone through a painful period, but there optimism for the summer.<\/p>\n On Friday, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that his injury situation is causing more concerns for the national team when compared to other injured players.<\/p>\n Thursday\u2019s edition of AS <\/a>has another report on those La Roja players who are currently not part of Luis de la Fuente\u2019s squad for this international break and their chances of making it to the World Cup.<\/p>\n The focus is on Arsenal\u2019s Mikel Merino, Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal and Paris Saint-Germain\u2019s Fabi\u00e1n Ruiz.<\/p>\n Carvajal has been featuring regularly in recent weeks but his chances of making it to the World Cup depend on the level he shows until the end of the season.<\/p>\n PSG expect Ruiz to return to the pitch next month.<\/p>\n It\u2019s \u2018too early\u2019 to know whether Merino will be available for the summer\u2019s FIFA tournament.<\/p>\n However, sources close to the Arsenal player have informed the newspaper that he will be ready for the World Cup. In short, there\u2019s expectation for the versatile star to be fit soon. This is good news for Mikel Arteta and the north London club.<\/p>\n Merino has played 1,877 minutes from 33 matches, managing six goals and three assists.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea EXCLUSIVE: Castello Lukeba \u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n \u27a1\ufe0f Source confirms to @Kaus_Pandey17<\/a> that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United interested \u2014 Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \n <\/div>\nArsenal player\u2019s camp maintain hope<\/h2>\n
Gunners\u2019 current injury list<\/h2>\n
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\u2795 Defender tempted by move to Premier League
\u27a1\ufe0f Summer decision will depend on project offered<\/a> #afc<\/a> #lfc<\/a> #afc<\/a><\/p>\n