Arsenal Scrambles for Emergency Signings as Star Player Faces 'Serious' Injury Crisis

Arsenal are concerned that midfielder Mikel Merino may have sustained a significant injury after being sidelined for Saturday's triumph against Leeds United, according to reports.

Head coach Mikel Arteta disclosed following the 4–0 victory that Merino would require consultation with a specialist. "He has a problem with his foot. There's a bone causing him discomfort," the manager explained. BBC Sport reports there are worries about a potentially severe injury that could sideline Merino for an extended duration.

Arsenal cannot afford additional fitness concerns while already monitoring winger Bukayo Saka, who withdrew from Saturday's pre-match warm-up.

Arsenal Need Urgent Diagnosis Before Deadline Day

Arsenal Need Urgent Diagnosis Before Deadline Day

Merino's setback arrives at an extremely inconvenient moment, mere hours before the transfer window closes throughout Europe.

Should Merino, an essential squad member, be unavailable for an extended timeframe, Arsenal might need to explore the transfer market for a substitute, having witnessed previous title campaigns undermined by injuries before.

Though Merino has established himself as an emergency forward option, his primary value under Arteta lies in midfield, offering crucial backup to both Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice. In his absence, the luxury of resting two vital squad members will depend on Christian Nørgaard who, despite Merino's injury, wasn't even expected to make the bench against Leeds until Saka's late withdrawal created an opening.

As Arsenal enter the critical phase of their Quadruple pursuit, Arteta desires multiple rotation choices to maintain squad freshness.

An urgent transfer to secure a replacement might therefore become essential if Arsenal hope to avoid repeating past seasons' mistakes, when injuries and insufficient quality depth ultimately denied the Gunners their place in Premier League folklore.

The Games Mikel Merino Could Miss for Arsenal

The Games Mikel Merino Could Miss for Arsenal

Arsenal have not yet disclosed the full scope of Merino's injury, but indications of a "serious" problem suggest at least a month's absence from competition.

Even if Merino escapes the most severe outcome, he appears certain to miss Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg versus Chelsea, while fixtures against Sunderland, Brentford, Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur throughout February may all arrive prematurely for his return.

Chelsea feature again on the schedule to begin March, which will also encompass both Champions League round of 16 encounters. Arsenal will face one of Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Olympiacos or Bayer Leverkusen.