Mikel Merino has returned to full training ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal have already been confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, with the trophy to be lifted after the trip to Selhurst Park. Merino has been absent since late January after surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot, keeping him out for about four months. He is now back with the main group at Arsenal’s training centre and could be available for the weekend. The match against Palace is focused on maintaining rhythm, celebrating, and avoiding injuries before the Champions League final. Merino’s experience could provide Arteta with additional midfield control, physical presence, and tactical intelligence, potentially even as a late substitute.
"Mikel Merino returning to full training ahead of the final Premier League match against Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The mood around Arsenal could hardly be better. Mikel Arteta's side have already been confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, and they will lift the trophy after Sunday's trip to Selhurst Park."
"Merino's return is a big moment because he has been missing since late January but his come back has now come as a major boost to the Gunners. Mikel Merino has been out of action for four months. The midfielder had been out for around four months after undergoing surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot. He is now back with the main group at Arsenal's Sobha Realty Training Centre and could even be involved against Crystal Palace this weekend."
"That matters for Arsenal because the squad is now entering the most delicate part of the campaign. The league title is already secured, so Sunday's match against Palace is not about pressure or points anymore. It is about rhythm, celebration and avoiding unnecessary injuries before the biggest European game in the club's modern history. Merino may not be thrown straight into a major role, but having him available again gives Arteta another experienced option."
"He brings control, physical presence and intelligence in midfield. In a Champions League final, even a 20-minute cameo from a player like that could be valuable. Gunners are carefully managing their players. Finals are often decided by small details, and Arsenal will w"
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