Arsenal received a welcome piece of news from head coach Mikel Arteta on Thursday as he revealed that Mikel Merino has moved a step closer to returning from injury.
The Basque midfielder has been sidelined for nearly four months after suffering a broken foot against Manchester United on January 25, an injury that ultimately required surgery.
But speaking ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta confirmed Merino is now back working with the squad.
“Yes, he is going to start to train with the group tomorrow,” Arteta said. “He did a little bit of [light] work today.”
While Arsenal are unlikely to rush Merino back before the campaign concludes, the update is still a significant boost for the club heading into the summer.
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Arsenal still face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Final on May 30, but the expectation remains that the Spain international will not feature before the season ends.
Even so, Merino’s return to training suggests his rehabilitation is progressing well and gives Arsenal confidence he will be fully fit for the start of pre-season preparations later this summer.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old became an important figure for Arsenal before his injury, with his quality and versatility – often featuring as a centre-forward for the Gunners – providing Arteta numerous options during a demanding campaign.
Arsenal will also be encouraged by the fact Merino can now focus fully on his recovery without the added complication of international football this summer after missing out on Spain national team’s preliminary squad.
