Arsenal's Merino sidelined for Premier League run-in after break

Arsenal confirmed Merino suffered the injury late in last week's defeat by Manchester United.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire 

Arsenal are resigned to versatile Spanish international Mikel Merino missing most of the Premier League run-in after confirmed he will have surgery on a broken foot.

Arsenal confirmed Merino, who has played in midfield and attack for Mikel Arteta, suffered the injury late in last week's defeat by Manchester United. He missed Saturday's win over Leeds United.

A statement said: "Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.

"Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.

"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.

"Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."