Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino will undergo surgery on a foot injury, with the Gunners manager providing an update on his team’s plans ahead of deadline day.
Mikel Arteta gives an update on Arsenal’s transfer deadline day plans (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has released his assessment of Arsenal’s transfer deadline day following Mikel Merino’s injury. The Gunners have been exploring the market for the midfielder since the beginning of last week after it was revealed the midfielder required surgery for a foot problem and could be available before the transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday.
A statement from the club at the weekend said: “Following a foot injury sustained in the final stages of the match against Manchester United on January 25th, subsequent tests and specialist examinations have confirmed that Mikel Merino has sustained a bone injury in his right foot.”
“Mikel will undergo surgery within the next few days, after which he will begin his recovery and rehabilitation program.”
“Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period of time, with the aim of returning to full training by the end of the season. We are all committed to supporting Mikel to return to full fitness as quickly as possible.”
Regarding the possibility of activity after that setback, the Arsenal manager said at a press conference on Monday: “Of course. When you’re playing four competitions and you lose a big player in your team, you have to do everything in your power to see if someone is available. If not, we take the next step.”
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Arteta provided an update on the Spaniard, saying: “We hope so. He has to take steps that are not positive at all. He’s a big player for us. It’s a big blow.”
“Well, this is a very rare injury. We need to continue to monitor it.”
Recalling Ethan Nwaneri from his loan to Marseille has been a topic of discussion, but football.london reports that it is still off the table for the Gunners. Speculation then surfaced regarding Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, but that seems highly unlikely.
Ruben Neves has also been floated as a possibility, but the midfielder is set to sign a new contract at Al Hilal, with indications that further transfers are unlikely.
Following Bukayo Saka’s injury in recent days, it seemed possible to add attacking reinforcements, but there is considerable depth in the squad in these positions and it doesn’t seem too serious, so it is doubtful whether Arsenal will pursue an attacker.
Bukayo Saka was injured before Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Leeds (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Regarding Saka, Arteta said: “We have to wait. He was better today but we have to see his reaction and make a decision.”
“Whether he’s available tomorrow or the weekend when we meet, it doesn’t seem to be that serious.”
Noni Madueke was an excellent substitute for Saka at Elland Road, scoring a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win over Leeds United. Nevertheless, the hope is that he will not be sidelined for long, especially with Arsenal still playing four separate tournaments, as Arteta has rightly stressed.
