Mikel Merino returned to first-team training at London Colney on Thursday morning for the first time since suffering a fractured foot in late January. His teammates greeted him with the traditional tunnel of slaps as he rejoined the group, four months and 23 matches after the injury that ruled him out of the most consequential stretch of our season.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the development at his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, while managing expectations around the midfielder's readiness: "Mikel is going to start to train with the group tomorrow. Today he has done a little bit. It was just a very light session."
What we know about his fitness
Merino sustained the fracture during our home defeat to Manchester United on 25 January and underwent surgery shortly afterwards. At the time, Arsenal confirmed he would be out for an extended period with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. That timeline was always ambitious given the nature of the injury, and there were reports from Spain earlier in his recovery that the 2026 World Cup could also be at risk.
He returned to outdoor grass work in early May, with journalist Charles Watts capturing footage of Merino doing individual drills with Arteta and the coaching staff after the main squad had gone inside. Thursday marked the first time he trained alongside his teammates since the injury, though he has not yet progressed to full-contact work.
What it means for the Champions League final
A starting role in Budapest on 30 May is unrealistic. Merino has not played a competitive match since 25 January and has missed 23 games across all competitions. Match fitness at the level required for a Champions League final cannot be manufactured in nine days.
What is realistic is a place on the bench. If Merino can complete full training sessions over the next week without setback, Arteta has the option of carrying him in the squad as an experienced midfield alternative. He contributed four goals and three assists in the Premier League before his injury, and his presence in the dressing room has been a constant throughout his absence, with multiple reports confirming he has attended every team meeting as part of the club's leadership group.
The broader injury picture
Merino's return leaves Jurrien Timber and Ben White as the only significant absentees. Timber remains absent from group training and Arteta offered a cautious update: "Jurrien, let's hope that in the next few days he can be a bit closer." White is confirmed out for the season with a knee ligament injury sustained against West Ham.
Bukayo Saka, David Raya and William Saliba were not involved in outdoor training on Thursday but followed individual programmes indoors. There is understood to be no fitness concern around the trio ahead of the final.