Mikel Merino is getting better after his foot surgery (CEFR Compare)

Apr 24, 2026, 13:36

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.

Vocabulary Learning

boot

A special shoe that protects a hurt foot or leg.靴（醫療用保護靴）

Example:Now he can walk without a special boot.

exercise

Physical activity to make your body strong or healthy.運動

Example:He does exercises and feels no pain.

injury

Damage to a part of your body, like a cut or a broken bone.受傷

Example:Merino hurt his foot in a game against Manchester United in January.

pain

An uncomfortable feeling in your body when you are hurt.疼痛

Example:He does exercises without pain.

surgery

A medical operation to fix a problem inside the body.手術

Example:Mikel Merino had surgery on his right foot.

Sentence Learning

Mikel Merino is a player for Arsenal.

Simple present tense: subject + verb 'to be' + noun phrase.简单现在时：主语 + 系动词 '是' + 名词短语。

He had surgery on his right foot in January.

Simple past tense: subject + past tense verb 'had' + object + prepositional phrases.简单过去时：主语 + 过去式动词 '进行了' + 宾语 + 介词短语。

Now he can walk without a special boot.

Modal verb 'can' + base verb: subject + modal + verb + prepositional phrase.情态动词 '可以' + 原形动词：主语 + 情态动词 + 动词 + 介词短语。

He does exercises without pain.

Simple present tense: subject + verb 'does' (third person singular) + object + prepositional phrase.简单现在时：主语 + 动词 '做'（第三人称单数） + 宾语 + 介词短语。

But no one knows when he can play again.

Complex sentence with 'when' clause: main clause 'no one knows' + subordinate clause 'when he can play again'.带 '何时' 从句的复合句：主句 '无人知道' + 从句 '他何时能再次比赛'。

Arsenal Midfielder Mikel Merino''s Recovery Progresses Amid Conflicting Estimates for Season and World Cup Participation

Introduction

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, is recovering from surgery on a rare right foot injury suffered in January. While he has progressed to walking without a protective boot and performing pain-free exercises, the timeline for his return to competitive play remains uncertain, with conflicting reports from Spanish media regarding his availability for the remainder of the club season and the upcoming World Cup.

Main Body

Merino suffered the injury during a match against Manchester United in January and had surgery afterwards. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the injury as ''very rare,'' and Merino''s father stated that there was no known history of such an injury. Since the operation, Merino has stopped wearing the protective boot and is doing rehabilitation exercises without pain. When asked on Friday whether Merino could help Arsenal in their Premier League title challenge, Arteta replied that it was ''a bit premature'' to answer. He noted that the player is doing everything possible in his recovery, but an exact date for his return could not yet be given. Arsenal faces Newcastle United in a league match, with the opportunity to move six points clear at the top. The team has been strengthened by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, both expected to be in the squad, though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury. Arteta emphasized that returning players must quickly reach their best performance level. Spanish outlet AS reported that Merino has been seen at Arsenal''s training ground without crutches and estimated that he will be able to run again in two to three weeks. According to AS, a screw was inserted into his heel during surgery, and both the player and his doctors are confident he will be fit for the World Cup. In contrast, another Spanish report from Sport indicated that Merino''s participation in the World Cup is far from certain. Spain coach Luis De La Fuente is prepared to wait until the last possible moment to decide on his inclusion. Considering both reports, a possible outcome is that Merino may reach full fitness around the end of the club season. Before his injury, Merino had scored six goals and provided three assists for Arsenal, but he has already missed three months of football.

Conclusion

Mikel Merino''s recovery is progressing, but no definitive return date has been established for either Arsenal''s season or the World Cup. The conflicting assessments from Spanish media highlight the uncertainty, while Arteta''s cautious remarks emphasize that the midfielder''s availability remains an open question.

Vocabulary Learning

conflicting

Contradictory; in disagreement矛盾的

Example:There are conflicting reports about Merino's recovery timeline.

far from certain

Not at all definite; very uncertain遠未確定

Example:Merino's participation in the World Cup is far from certain.

fit for

In good health enough to do something適合（做某事）

Example:Both the player and his doctors are confident he will be fit for the World Cup.

premature

Happening too soon or earlier than expected過早的

Example:Arteta said it was a bit premature to give a return date.

sidelined

Prevented from taking part in an activity, especially due to injury被排除在外（尤指因傷）

Example:Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Sentence Learning

The team has been strengthened by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, both expected to be in the squad, though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Passive voice 'has been strengthened' focuses on the action rather than the doer. The reduced relative clause 'both expected' omits 'who are' for conciseness. 'Though' introduces a contrast.被動語態「has been strengthened」強調動作而非執行者。簡化關係從句「both expected」省略了「who are」以達到簡潔。「though」引出對比。

According to AS, a screw was inserted into his heel during surgery, and both the player and his doctors are confident he will be fit for the World Cup.

Passive voice 'was inserted' emphasizes the surgical procedure. 'According to' introduces the source of information. The conjunction 'and' connects two related facts.被動語態「was inserted」強調手術過程。「According to」引出資訊來源。連詞「and」連接兩個相關事實。

While he has progressed to walking without a protective boot and performing pain-free exercises, the timeline for his return to competitive play remains uncertain, with conflicting reports from Spanish media regarding his availability for the remainder of the club season and the upcoming World Cup.

'While' shows contrast between progress and uncertainty. The 'with' phrase adds extra information about the reports. The present perfect 'has progressed' indicates recent change.「While」顯示進展與不確定性之間的對比。「with」短語補充關於報導的額外資訊。現在完成式「has progressed」表示近期的變化。

When asked on Friday whether Merino could help Arsenal in their Premier League title challenge, Arteta replied that it was ''a bit premature'' to answer.

'When asked' is a passive participle clause, shortening 'When he was asked'. The reported speech structure uses 'that' to relay Arteta's words. 'Whether' introduces an indirect question.「When asked」是被動分詞子句，簡化了「When he was asked」。間接引語結構使用「that」轉述阿迪達的話。「whether」引出間接問句。

Considering both reports, a possible outcome is that Merino may reach full fitness around the end of the club season.

'Considering' is a present participle phrase acting as a condition or reason. The 'that' clause introduces the predicted outcome. 'May' expresses possibility.「Considering」是現在分詞短語，表示條件或原因。「that」子句引出預測結果。「may」表達可能性。

Arsenal Midfielder Mikel Merino''s Recovery Progresses Amid Divergent Estimates for Season and World Cup Participation

Introduction

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, is recovering from surgery on a rare right foot injury sustained in January. While he has progressed to walking without a protective boot and performing pain-free exercises, the timeline for his return to competitive play remains uncertain, with conflicting reports from Spanish media regarding his availability for the remainder of the club season and the upcoming World Cup.

Main Body

Merino sustained the injury during a match against Manchester United in January, after which he underwent surgery. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the injury as ''very rare,'' and Merino''s father stated there was no known history of such an injury. Since the operation, Merino has been out of his boot and is engaging in rehabilitation exercises without discomfort. When asked on Friday whether Merino could contribute to Arsenal''s Premier League title push, Arteta responded that it was ''a bit premature'' to answer, noting that the player is ''pushing every boundary'' in his recovery but that a definitive timeline could not yet be provided. Arsenal faces Newcastle United in a league match, with the opportunity to move six points clear at the top. The team has been bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, both expected to be in the squad, though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury. Arteta emphasized that returning players must quickly reach their optimal performance level. Spanish outlet AS reported that Merino has been seen at Arsenal''s training ground without crutches and estimates he will be able to run again in two to three weeks. According to AS, a screw was inserted into his heel during surgery, and both the player and his doctors are confident he will be fit for the World Cup. In contrast, another Spanish report from Sport indicated that Merino''s participation in the World Cup is far from certain, with Spain coach Luis De La Fuente prepared to wait until the last possible moment to decide on his inclusion. Taking both reports together, a plausible scenario is that Merino may reach full fitness around the conclusion of the club season. Prior to his injury, Merino had recorded six goals and three assists for Arsenal, but he has already missed three months of football.

Conclusion

Mikel Merino''s recovery is progressing, but no definitive return date has been established for either Arsenal''s season or the World Cup. The conflicting assessments from Spanish media highlight the uncertainty, while Arteta''s cautious remarks underscore that the midfielder''s availability remains an open question.

Vocabulary Learning

bolstered

Supported or strengthened; reinforced.加強，支持，鞏固

Example:Arsenal's squad has been bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori.

definitive

Conclusive, authoritative, and final; providing a firm decision.決定性的，權威的，最終的

Example:Arteta stated that a definitive timeline could not yet be provided.

divergent

Tending to differ or move apart; conflicting.分歧的，不同的，背道而馳的

Example:The conflicting reports from Spanish media highlight divergent estimates for his return.

plausible

Seeming reasonable or probable; convincing.看似合理的，可信的

Example:A plausible scenario is that Merino may reach full fitness around the conclusion of the club season.

sidelined

Prevented from participating or being active; put out of action.使退出比賽，使邊緣化，擱置

Example:Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Sentence Learning

When asked on Friday whether Merino could contribute to Arsenal's Premier League title push, Arteta responded that it was 'a bit premature' to answer, noting that the player is 'pushing every boundary' in his recovery but that a definitive timeline could not yet be provided.

This sentence begins with a fronted adverbial clause of time ("When asked on Friday whether Merino could contribute...") containing an embedded indirect question ("whether Merino could contribute..."). The main clause is "Arteta responded that it was 'a bit premature' to answer", followed by a present participle phrase ("noting that...") which itself contains two coordinated that-clauses: "the player is 'pushing every boundary'" and "a definitive timeline could not yet be provided". The structure demonstrates complex subordination and reported speech.此句以時間狀語從句開首（「When asked on Friday whether Merino could contribute...」），內含間接問句（「whether Merino could contribute...」）。主句為「Arteta responded that it was 'a bit premature' to answer」，後接現在分詞短語（「noting that...」），該短語包含兩個並列的that從句：「the player is 'pushing every boundary'」及「a definitive timeline could not yet be provided」。此結構展現了複雜的從屬關係及轉述語法。

In contrast, another Spanish report from Sport indicated that Merino's participation in the World Cup is far from certain, with Spain coach Luis De La Fuente prepared to wait until the last possible moment to decide on his inclusion.

This sentence uses the discourse marker "In contrast" to signal a shift from the previous report. The main clause is "another Spanish report from Sport indicated that...", where "indicated" takes a that-clause as its object. This is followed by a non-finite absolute construction introduced by "with": "with Spain coach Luis De La Fuente prepared to wait until the last possible moment to decide on his inclusion". This "with" phrase functions as an adverbial of manner or circumstance, adding detail without a finite verb.此句使用話語標記「In contrast」表示與前文報導的對比。主句為「another Spanish report from Sport indicated that...」，其中「indicated」帶有that從句作賓語。其後接由「with」引導的非限定獨立結構：「with Spain coach Luis De La Fuente prepared to wait until the last possible moment to decide on his inclusion」。此「with」短語充當方式或情況狀語，以非限定動詞形式補充細節。

Taking both reports together, a plausible scenario is that Merino may reach full fitness around the conclusion of the club season.

This sentence begins with a participial phrase "Taking both reports together", which is a reduced adverbial clause (equivalent to "If we take both reports together" or "When taking both reports together"). The main clause is "a plausible scenario is that Merino may reach full fitness around the conclusion of the club season", where the subject "a plausible scenario" is followed by a linking verb "is" and a that-clause acting as a subject complement. The phrase "around the conclusion" uses a prepositional phrase to indicate time.此句以分詞短語「Taking both reports together」開首，此為省略的狀語從句（相當於「If we take both reports together」或「When taking both reports together」）。主句為「a plausible scenario is that Merino may reach full fitness around the conclusion of the club season」，主語「a plausible scenario」後接連繫動詞「is」及that從句作主語補語。短語「around the conclusion」使用介詞短語表示時間。

The team has been bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, both expected to be in the squad, though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury.

This sentence features a passive construction in the main clause: "The team has been bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori". It then includes an appositive phrase "both expected to be in the squad", which is a reduced relative clause (equivalent to "who are both expected to be in the squad"). Finally, a concessive clause introduced by "though" provides contrast: "though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury". The sentence combines passive voice, reduced relative, and concessive subordination.此句主句採用被動結構：「The team has been bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori」。其後包含同位語短語「both expected to be in the squad」，此為省略的關係從句（相當於「who are both expected to be in the squad」）。最後，由「though」引導的讓步從句提供對比：「though Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury」。此句結合了被動語態、省略關係從句及讓步從屬結構。

Spanish outlet AS reported that Merino has been seen at Arsenal's training ground without crutches and estimates he will be able to run again in two to three weeks.

This sentence begins with a noun phrase "Spanish outlet AS" as the subject, followed by a reporting verb "reported" with a that-clause object: "that Merino has been seen at Arsenal's training ground without crutches". The verb "reported" is coordinated with "estimates" (with ellipsis of "that"): "and estimates he will be able to run again in two to three weeks". The first that-clause contains a passive construction ("has been seen") and a prepositional phrase ("without crutches"). The second clause uses an object clause ("he will be able to run") with a time phrase. The coordination of two different reporting structures adds complexity.此句以名詞短語「Spanish outlet AS」作主語，後接轉述動詞「reported」及that從句賓語：「that Merino has been seen at Arsenal's training ground without crutches」。動詞「reported」與「estimates」並列（省略了「that」）：「and estimates he will be able to run again in two to three weeks」。第一個that從句包含被動結構（「has been seen」）及介詞短語（「without crutches」）。第二個從句使用賓語從句（「he will be able to run」）及時間短語。兩個不同轉述結構的並列增加了複雜性。