Spain could be without one of its key players for the World Cup: he will undergo last-minute surgery

The script of the 2025-26 season has taken a dramatic and cruel turn for Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after medical tests confirmed a serious bone injury in his right foot. The injury, sustained during the high-octane clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 25th, is far more complex than initially feared. What was first thought to be a minor knock has evolved into a surgical necessity, casting a long shadow over the player’s immediate future.

For Arsenal, losing Merino at this juncture is nothing short of a sporting catastrophe. The Gunners are currently in the most demanding phase of their calendar, still fighting on multiple fronts where every single point is worth its weight in gold.

Merino had rapidly established himself as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. His ability to provide defensive balance, his relentless pressing, and his knack for winning second balls had turned Arsenal’s midfield into a fortress. Tactically, Merino was the "glue" that allowed the team to sustain a high-level offensive output—contributing to the team's impressive 3.5 xG (Expected Goals) average. Without his physical presence and tactical intelligence, the coaching staff now faces the Herculean task of redesigning a midfield that had finally found its rhythm.

While the club has not officially "closed the door" on a return before the end of the campaign, the message from the medical department is one of extreme caution. The priority is a successful surgery and a natural recovery process; rushing back a foot bone injury could lead to a catastrophic relapse.

"The goal is to see him back on the grass before the season ends," a source close to the club suggested, but with only a few months left in the schedule, the margin for error is razor-thin.

The consequences of Merino’s surgery ripple far beyond the Premier League. In the international sphere, the blow is equally devastating. Merino will be absent from the Spain squad for the March international break, meaning he will miss the highly anticipated Finalissima against Argentina.

This match was set to be a "trial by fire" for Luis de la Fuente’s side, and losing a player of Merino’s reliability is a massive setback. For the Spanish manager, Merino was more than just a starter; he was a privileged tactical resource whose versatility allowed Spain to adapt to any opponent. Finding a replacement who offers the same level of hierarchy and consistency will be the biggest challenge for La Roja in 2026.

Looking further ahead, the injury raises serious questions about the road to the 2026 World Cup. While there is still time for a full recovery, undergoing surgery mid-cycle is always a risk. For Merino, who suffered the heartbreak of missing Qatar 2022, this is a test of mental and physical resilience.

Returning to peak competitive rhythm after a foot operation is a grueling process. Spain loses one of its most solid midfielders for the foreseeable future, and the entire nation hopes that this setback doesn't derail his dream of leading the midfield in the upcoming World Cup.