Arsenal star jokes title celebrations were ‘acid test’ for fractured foot

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Mikel Merino has revealed that Arsenal’s jubilant title celebrations provided the ultimate test for his recovering fractured foot, as the Spain international prepares to make his return to competitive action this weekend.

The midfielder has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in February but returned to full training on Thursday and could feature when the newly crowned champions face Crystal Palace on Sunday in what is effectively a dead rubber.

Speaking at a UEFA-organised media day, according to Arseblog, Merino joked about the physical demands of Arsenal’s title triumph celebrations.

“That was the acid test,” he said when asked about the full-throttle celebrations that followed confirmation of the Gunners’ Premier League success. “If my foot could withstand those jumps, it could withstand anything.”

The 30-year-old expressed his delight at being back with the squad after months of rehabilitation work. “My foot is great. I’m not even thinking about it anymore. I’m just really pleased to be outside with the lads today,” Merino told CBS Sports.

“I’ve been training really hard, in the grass and inside with strength and conditioning coaches and physios, trying to give everything every single day to be as close to perfection when I’m back with the team. I’m very good. I feel fit. I’m ready to go.”

World Cup hopes alive

When Merino’s fracture was first diagnosed, there were serious doubts over whether he would play again this season or even recover in time for the World Cup. The midfielder admitted the initial diagnosis was devastating.

“I was devastated at the time. It took me a couple of days to recover from it. I had two options: to go down and cry myself to extinction or keep my head up, be positive, and try to use my time to improve other aspects. Working as hard as I can is the way I approach life.”

With Mikel Arteta expected to rotate heavily against Palace with one eye on the Champions League final, Merino could receive valuable competitive minutes ahead of Spain’s World Cup campaign, assuming he earns selection.

Leadership role during recovery

As one of Arsenal’s seven-man leadership group, Merino remained closely connected to the squad throughout his rehabilitation. He felt the support of his teammates during difficult moments and tried to reciprocate when the pressure of the title race threatened to weigh heavily on others.

“As an injured player also you have a role to go through with your teammates. I tried to be close to them and found out they were very close to me as well,” he explained.

“Every time they saw me, they were asking me how I was doing, if I was better, telling me they were rooting for me, and that I was going to get back soon enough to help them and score a header in the Champions League final.”

Merino’s potential return comes at the perfect time for Arsenal, who will need all available options as they prepare for their Champions League final showdown with PSG in Budapest.