Merino sees himself at the World Cup after overcoming foot injury

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has stated that he feels ready to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America. After undergoing surgery at the end of January for a bone injury in his right foot, the Navarrese has returned to training normally. His goal is to be on Luis de la Fuente's list for the June event.

Mikel Merino in full action during a training session on a grass field, demonstrating a powerful shot with his bandaged right foot, showing post-surgery bone recovery, ball in the air with spin, professional high-contrast football boots, background with goal net and digital scoreboard off, natural sunset light, visible sweat on his focused face, cinematic sports photorealism, detailed texture of grass and medical bandage, dramatic low angle, frozen motion at 1/4000s, narrow depth of field

Bone recovery technology applied to the footballer 🦴

Merino's injury, a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal, required an osteosynthesis with a titanium plate and screws. The procedure, performed by Dr. Niek van Dijk in Amsterdam, used low-rigidity internal fixation techniques to allow consolidation without compromising blood supply. The use of low-intensity ultrasound and plantar pressure platforms during rehabilitation has accelerated recovery. Follow-up with cone beam CT has confirmed proper bone union, allowing the player to return to workloads without pain.

The right foot requests a ticket for the plane to North America ✈️

Mikel assures that his foot is as good as new, although perhaps the metatarsal does not share the same opinion when it sees the match schedule. With recovery on schedule, the player already dreams of playing at MetLife Stadium. Of course, if the coach calls him up, he should not forget to check the foot as carry-on luggage. Just in case, let him bring a spare screw.