World Cup
Mikel Merino back to full Spain training after foot injury
Midfielder Mikel Merino has resumed full training with the Spain national team after completing two individual sessions aimed at managing his recovery from a foot fracture that sidelined him for four months. The injury forced Merino to miss 28 matches for both club and country, and his limited minutes in Spain’s recent games reflect a cautious reintegration.
The foot injury was a fracture of a bone that kept Merino out for four months, during which he missed a total of 28 matches for Arsenal and the Spain side. His recovery programme included two individual sessions before rejoining the full squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the problem as a “rare” injury, noting that Merino did not feature for the club until the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain. The final marked his first appearance after the lay‑off.
Spain have taken a cautious approach since his return, limiting his playing time to no more than 29 minutes in each of their last three matches. Those appearances comprised two friendlies of 22 and 29 minutes and a World Cup game of 19 minutes.
For Arsenal, the update is encouraging after Merino missed a significant part of the title‑winning campaign. His gradual reintegration suggests the club can rely on him for the upcoming season.
Merino’s availability remains important for Spain, but coaches have prioritized avoiding excessive workload. His return to normal training now moves him closer to a full role after several carefully managed appearances.
A photo by Florencia Tan Jun captures Merino training with the national side. Coral Scoles‑Coburn provided another image taken during a session at the team’s facilities.