National team manager “optimistic” about Arsenal star’s chances of making the World Cup

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has spoken about Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino’s chances of being fit in time for the 2026 World Cup.

Merino is currently out with a slightly unusual injury, with De la Fuente admitting that there isn’t any kind of “reference” for it, making it hard to know when he could return to action.

The Spain international has been a key player for Arsenal and for his country in recent times, and his absence is a blow for Mikel Arteta at this crucial stage of the club season.