Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino don rule out for the rest of the season, according to latest reports wey don surface.
The Gunners enjoy comfortable afternoon against Sunderland on Saturday, as dem run away with 3-0 win for the Emirates Stadium. That victory help Arsenal move nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City for the Premier League table, putting dem in very strong position for the title race.
However, the win still come with bad news behind the scenes.
That match mark the fourth straight game Merino don miss due to injury, after featuring regularly for Arsenal this season. The Spanish midfielder don already play 32 matches across all competitions before the problem sideline am.
Earlier reports talk say Merino dey struggle with foot injury, and signs don already dey say e no go be short-term issue.
Now, Spanish outlet Cope don report say the midfielder go undergo surgery on him foot on Monday, effectively ending him Premier League season.
Merino main focus now na full recovery, with the 2026 World Cup firmly for him mind.
Why Mikel Merino Injury Be Big Blow for Arsenal
Merino injury na serious loss for Mikel Arteta side, especially considering how important he don be this season.
With Viktor Gyokeres struggling to find form, and both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus battling recurring injuries, Merino don surprisingly turn Arsenal most reliable attacking threat.
The Spaniard don score six goals and register three assists in all competitions this season, impressive numbers for a midfielder.
Even more telling, no Arsenal player don average more goals and assists per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season than Merino, with a strong return of 0.63.
Beyond goals and assists, Merino physical presence inside the box, especially during set pieces, don give Arsenal different dimension in attack.
His absence also create problem for midfield balance.
Without Merino available, Declan Rice go now shoulder even more responsibility in central areas, with no natural backup behind am.
Though Rice be elite athlete and consistent performer, Arsenal still dey compete in four competitions, and expecting am to play every match without proper rest fit turn risky as season dey reach business end.
Can Arsenal Keep Scoring Without Merino?
Despite the setback, Arsenal attacking form still dey encourage.
The Gunners don score 16 goals in their last six games across all competitions, showing say dem still get firepower even without Merino.
E no be coincidence say Arsenal look more fluid recently, especially with Kai Havertz playing more regularly and helping link midfield to attack.
If the German forward fit stay fit for the final stretch of the season, players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli fit benefit greatly from his movement, hold-up play and link-up ability.
That said, Havertz fitness record mean say it go be difficult for am to consistently play 90 minutes twice every week without issues.
As a result, Arteta likely go need contributions from other squad players to share the load as Arsenal push to finish the season strong.
Merino injury na big miss, no doubt, but Arsenal destiny still dey firmly in their own hands as dem chase Premier League glory.