Mikel Merino is getting better after his foot surgery
Introduction
Mikel Merino is a player for Arsenal. He had surgery on his right foot in January. Now he can walk without a special boot. He does exercises without pain. But no one knows when he can play again. Different news reports say different things.
Main Body
Merino hurt his foot in a game against Manchester United in January. He had surgery after that. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the injury is very unusual. Merino''s father said no one had this injury before. After the operation, Merino took off his boot. He does exercises and feels no pain. On Friday, a reporter asked Arteta if Merino can help Arsenal win the league. Arteta said it is too early to answer. He said Merino is working very hard. But he cannot say when Merino will play. Arsenal will play against Newcastle United. If they win, they can be six points ahead of other teams. Two good players, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, are back. They will play. But Jurrien Timber cannot play because of a groin injury. Arteta said these players must quickly play their best. A Spanish news report, AS, said Merino is at the training ground without crutches. They think he can run again in two to three weeks. They said doctors put a screw in his heel. Merino and his doctors believe he will be ready for the World Cup. But another Spanish report, Sport, said Merino may not play in the World Cup. The Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente, will wait until the last moment to decide. Maybe Merino will be healthy at the end of the club season. Before his injury, Merino scored six goals and made three assists for Arsenal. He has not played for three months.
Conclusion
Mikel Merino is getting better. But no one knows when he will play for Arsenal or in the World Cup. The Spanish news reports do not agree. Arteta is careful with his words. It is not clear if Merino can play again soon.