Arsenal midfielder Merino to have foot surgery

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is set for a sustained spell on the sidelines and will need surgery on a serious foot injury.

The 29-year-old Spain international suffered the injury in his side’s loss to Manchester United last week.

He missed Saturday’s win over Leeds with manager Mikel Arteta saying the midfielder would see a specialist to determine a full prognosis.

The club has now confirmed a bone injury in the player’s right foot.

“Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme,” a club statement read.

“Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.”