Mikel Merino just had surgery on his foot after picking up an injury at the end of Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United. There’s a decent chance he’ll return before the season wraps up, but he’s got a tough road ahead if he wants to play any part in what’s shaping up to be a nail-biting title race. Arsenal sit six points ahead of Manchester City right now, holding onto the top spot.

Football.London reports that Merino, who got hurt against United, needed surgery and now faces a real sprint to get fit before the campaign ends. He’s 29, with four goals and three assists to his name this season, but he’s looking at about eight weeks off his feet. He’ll still be able to work out in the gym, and there’s some hope he’ll make it back in time, especially with Arsenal chasing their first Premier League title since 2004.

When asked if Merino might play again this season, Arteta didn’t have a definite answer. “Well, we hope so. I don’t know. Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive. He’s a big player for us. An athlete who has such versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that’s a big blow.”

Turns out, Merino’s dealing with a fractured foot, and Arteta called the injury “rare”. “Let’s see. It’s a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How does that react daily? Obviously, monitor it throughout the week for the surgery. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quickly as possible. But, as well, he has to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it’s an injury that is quite rare.”

Merino’s also hoping to get back before the season ends because he wants a spot in Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

It’s tough luck for a player who was really hitting his stride. Earlier in the season, he told the club website, “Obviously, football is not only about results. It’s the main thing, but when you can enjoy playing with these teammates, it’s just a joy, and I’m enjoying it every time I’m on the pitch. I think everyone is giving their best and enjoying it as well, and that’s the best mix we can have, so performing and enjoying is the magic recipe, so yeah, very happy.”

Merino came in as a midfielder, but he’s turned into a genuine option up front. Arteta’s clearly impressed with how adaptable he is. “Yes, as a striker, certainly not [something he ever dreamt he could do], but that’s the thing as well that you learn when you sign a player – I knew he could offer much more than what he had, and especially after I met him for the first time because a player that has that amount of curiosity, the way he loves his profession and football, it’s difficult to put limits to that.”

Arsenal are still six points clear at the top, but injuries keep piling up. Along with Merino, they’re also missing Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It’s not making this title chase any easier.

When Mikel Arteta first took over at Arsenal, he admits he got a little lost in the tactics. He focused so much on game plans and strategies that he didn’t really connect with his players the way he should have.

Back in 2019, Arteta left his job as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City to step into his first real management role with the Gunners. Right off the bat, he brought home the FA Cup, but the team still finished eighth in the Premier League two years running.

From there, he basically rebuilt the whole squad. Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and a few others moved on. Fast forward, and Arsenal’s now been fighting for the league title four seasons in a row. They’re sitting six points clear at the top right now.

It’s been quite the ride, not just for the club but for Arteta himself. When someone asked him about his biggest mistake as a manager, he didn’t hesitate.

“Where you put the focus sometimes,” he told TNT Sports. “Especially at the beginning, the focus was probably too much on the tactical aspect. That means you may be overloading them with information.

“And then, you realise how important the emotional part is. When a player isn’t doing what you ask, why is that? Is he just not capable, or are you asking for something he’s not comfortable with? Maybe he’s got fears or doubts or just doesn’t understand what you want from him.

“Helping the player with that—that’s the real key. When you really connect and figure out how each guy responds, that’s when things click.”

Arteta also talked about Arsène Wenger’s influence on him. He played five years under Wenger at Arsenal and says the biggest thing he took away was how Wenger handled people.

“He always wanted players to express themselves,” Arteta said. “He was firm about what he wanted, but he gave you freedom on the pitch to make your own decisions.

“That balance—being clear but still letting you play—he did that so well. And he never lost his cool. He was always calm and steady about it.”