Mikel Merino is likely to miss the rest of the season for Arsenal after suffering a break in his foot in what is a bitter blow to Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners were hoping for a clean bill of health between now and the end of the season and having sent Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille, could have done without losing Merino.
Merino, though, will be out for the foreseeable future and depending on his recovery, he may not play again this season.
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Naturally, this is disappointing for all involved, not least the player himself.
Now, Merino has spoken out for the first time.
Mikel Merino sends message to Arsenal fans after suffering injury
Losing a player at any point of the season is a bitter blow. Losing a player as versatile and experienced as Mikel Merino at this stage is massive for Arsenal.
The Spaniard has been a key figure all season and has even chipped in up front.
Of course, we must remember it is the player themselves who is impacted the most. And over on Instagram, Merino has posted an emotional message.
“Time to stop now with a foot injury. Sometimes life throws this kind of challenges when is less convenient. Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team and together we will come back stronger.
“Thank you all, your support means everything to me and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch soon, helping my team and doing what I love.”
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What Arsenal are now planning after Mikel Merino’s injury
The timing of this, and the Ethan Nwaneri issue, means this couldn’t have come at a worse time for Mikel Arteta.
Furthermore, with just one day of the transfer window to go, it gives the Gunners hardly any time to react.
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Nevertheless, react is what they might do.
It’s claimed Arsenal may well delve into the market before tomorrow’s deadline as they look to see if there is anyone out there to plug the gap left by Merino.
Quite who they can get at such short notice is open to debate. But if they can’t, then recalling Nwaneri – if possible – is surely the logical move?
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