Optimism Grows for Merino's 2026 World Cup Participation as Recovery Progresses
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has shown significant progress in his rehabilitation program to recover from a stress fracture in his right foot, boosting expectations regarding his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup finals. By mid-April, doubts surrounding his involvement in the global tournament began to gradually dissipate due to his positive response to treatment, especially given his diligent efforts to return to action as soon as possible.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta revealed that the player has moved past wearing a protective boot and has already begun performing a variety of training exercises without experiencing any pain. Arteta expressed confidence in Merino's ability to shorten his projected recovery timeline. Mikel Arteta stated, "Mikel is an exemplary figure in overcoming obstacles. He has reacted very well to the surgical procedure and is now doing many exercises, and I am sure that if there is one person capable of shortening deadlines, it is Mikel."
In a related development, Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente has maintained continuous contact with the player to provide necessary moral support and reaffirm his place in the coach's tactical plans for the tournament. Luis de la Fuente said, "Calm down, we will wait for you." Merino is considered a fundamental pillar of Spain's squad, ranking second among the national team's top scorers under the current coach with 10 goals, in addition to his technical importance in pressing and aerial duels.
Despite his exclusion from matches in the next few weeks, the possibility of his return in May remains, which would pave the way for him to join the preparatory camp for the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These developments follow Merino's absence from the previous World Cup in Qatar 2022, while Spain prepares to kick off their campaign in the upcoming tournament against Cape Verde on June 15.
