Arsenal’s ambitions for the 2025/26 Premier League crown face a severe test. The club recently confirmed that Mikel Merino will miss a big part of the season’s run-in. Speaking to talkSPORT, Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn voiced serious concerns regarding the Spaniard’s layoff.
Winterburn’s Warning: Merino Absence Hits Arsenal Hard
He insisted the timing could not be worse. Winterburn observed that Merino had finally found his rhythm. The midfielder looked really settled and helped out across multiple positions just as the stakes escalated.
The former left-back emphasised that this disruption would definitely hurt the squad’s momentum. He noted the player’s clear disappointment at halting his surge in form. Winterburn’s assessment showed the fragility of Arsenal’s current position. The team is losing a flexible player who was likely enjoying his best spell in North London.
At 29, the Spain international had turned into a key figure for Mikel Arteta this season. Before the setback, Merino made 21 Premier League appearances in the 2025/26 campaign. He scored four goals and had three assists during that time. His influence went beyond just the numbers. He frequently filled gaps and even played as a makeshift centre-forward during the winter months. In that role, he grabbed vital equalisers against Chelsea and Newcastle.
“I think he was showing the best form of his time at Arsenal. It looked like he’s really settled in, and he can play in multiple positions as well. Yes, it will affect them,” Winterburn said.
“I think he is slightly disappointed because I think he was starting to show his best form for Arsenal,” he added.
What’s next for the Gunners in his absence?
This tactical flexibility proved vital until disaster struck on January 25, 2026. During a chaotic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, Merino suffered a stress fracture in his right foot. This injury forced him to have surgery earlier this week.
Arteta now faces a tactical headache. The injury will likely keep Merino out until May. So, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi must run the midfield without any rest. The manager must fix his rotation strategy right away.
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Losing such an experienced Euro 2024 winner weakens the squad’s physical strength and threat in the air. Arsenal must find a solution from within if they want to beat their rivals. However, as Winterburn warned, replacing Merino’s unique playing style remains a tough challenge.
Rohit Sarkar
Rohit Sarkar is a passionate writer with a deep love for multiple sports, but his favourites are football and cricket. Since 2017, he has been covering football and cricket news with a keen eye for detail and compelling storytelling. He is a fan of the beautiful game and a specialist…