Not Havertz: Arteta now confirms £27.4m Arsenal star is ruled out for "months"

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that midfielder Mikel Merino will be sidelined for several months after undergoing surgery for a foot injury.

The Spain international sustained the setback during the 3-2 Premier League loss to Manchester United, but the Gunners did not pursue a replacement.

Arsenal were linked with multiple names in the lead-up to the winter transfer deadline, but they were not close to signing anyone. No formal bids were made.

Merino recently went under the knife for his foot concern. When asked whether he could play again this season, Arteta was less optimistic about the timescale.

The Spanish tactician revealed that the £27.4 million signing (initial fee) would require several months to make his comeback and hinted it could be at least three.

He told reporters (via Arsenal.com): “I think the doctors were really happy with the way [the surgery] went. Now it’s the start of obviously a long process, we’re talking about bone healing.

“So, we’ll respect the timings, and I’m sure he’s going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery. The timeframes, we’re talking about months – whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”

Merino is obviously ruled out of the Premier League clash at Brentford tonight. Alongside him, Kai Havertz and wonderkid Max Dowman are set to miss the game.

Havertz has suffered a fresh muscle injury and will be sidelined for the next three matches at least. Dowman is still recovering from an ankle problem sustained in December.

Meanwhile, there is a chance that Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka could be available for the London derby. They have been out with minor muscle and hip injuries.

Leandro Trossard picked up a knock during the final minutes of the 3-0 win over Sunderland last weekend. The Belgian may also need to be assessed before the clash.

As things stand, Arsenal are three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City in the standings, but can reclaim their six-point lead with a victory at Brentford later today.

The Gunners have not lost to Brentford since 2021 and have won in their last four away meetings. They could face their toughest challenge yet against the Bees this time.

Looking at the form table over the last 10 matches, Brentford are second (20 points) only to Arsenal (23 points). Arteta’s side face a stern test of their title credentials in west London.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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