Arsenal has encountered a significant setback ahead of their Premier League encounter with Leeds United, as midfielder Mikel Merino sits out due to a foot injury. The Spanish player has featured in 21 of the team’s 23 league games this season, providing versatility that allows manager Mikel Arteta to deploy him effectively in midfield or as a forward.
Merino’s Foot Injury Details
Merino skipped training on Tuesday before Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Kairat, which he was already set to miss because of a suspension. Now, medical assessments confirm a foot issue keeping him sidelined for the trip to Elland Road. Arteta addressed the situation, stating, “He’s got an issue in his foot. It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams. We need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out.”
Additional Absences in the Squad
Beyond Merino, Christian Norgaard remains absent from the matchday lineup. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly also does not feature, with the recent recoveries of key players like Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori forcing Arteta to make tough selection decisions for the Premier League squad.
Impact on the Title Race
A win against Leeds would widen Arsenal’s lead at the summit to seven points, holding firm until Manchester City and Aston Villa contest their match on Sunday. However, failing to secure victory would mark a fourth straight league draw or loss, heightening pressure on the Gunners and potentially leaving them just one point ahead by the weekend’s end.
