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Mikel Merino's father has revealed the true extent of the Arsenalstar's injury. Mikel Arteta is set to be without the versatile midfielder for a prolonged period after he picked up a serious foot injury.

The Gunners signed Merino from La Liga side Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 for just over £30million. While he was purchased to function in midfield, he has proven to be an adaptable tool for boss Arteta.

Near the tail end of last season, Arteta experimented with Merino as a No. 9, and in one of his first matches at the position, he bagged a brace against Leicester. Since then, he has prospered both in the heart of midfield and up front, bagging seven top-flight goals last campaign and four in the current term.

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The 29-year-old scored when Arsenal fell to defeat at home to Manchester Unitedlast month, and in the clash, he injured his foot. Arteta will be without Merino in light of surgery, and the player's father has made a worrying admission about his recovery and the true extent of his ailment.

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Speaking on El Larguero, Merino's father touched on his son's setback. He said: "It is a stress fracture. Something more internal. It is very rare. There is a bit of uncertainty about the timing, because there is no clear history of this type of injury. Injuries never come at a good time.

"Considering the problem he has, he is accepting the situation. Players must be prepared. It's tough. Injuries arrive like that, but you have to look on the bright side: there are injuries much worse than this one."

Only time will tell whether Merino will play again this season for Arsenal. His side were even tipped to dip into the January transfer market on deadline day to sign a replacement.

This is indicative of how long they expect Merino to be sidelined and another worry on the Spaniard's mind is the upcoming World Cup. Spain kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.

Merino would have hoped to be included in his nation's squad for this major tournament. But with just over four months until Spain's opening fixture, his participation is up in the air.

The 29-year-old's father also touched on this issue and said: "Coach Luis de la Fuente is someone who pays attention to every detail. He has surely spoken to Mikel and asked him how he is doing."

Speaking on Monday, Arteta offered an update on Merino. He said: "It's a very rare injury so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery, how that reacts daily, obviously monitor it throughout the week for the surgery and see.

"I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quick as possible. But as well you have to respect the healing process and the fact that obviously it's an injury that is quite rare."