Arsenal have received a massive fitness boost at just the right time, with midfielder Mikel Merino officially back in training. The Spanish international, who had been out since February, has returned to the pitch, giving manager Mikel Arteta a huge selection advantage ahead of the newly crowned Premier League champions' final domestic fixture and their Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.

Merino resumes training at London Colney

The Gunners are gearing up for an unforgettable end to the season, and Merino’s presence back on the training ground has lifted the mood. The 29-year-old has been sidelined for three months following surgery to repair a fractured foot, missing the decisive stretch where Arsenal finally clinched their first Premier League title in over twenty years.

On Thursday, Merino was seen participating in light training drills, working closely with Arteta and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg away from the full squad. The session was designed to ease him back into team activities, and the midfielder is expected to rejoin full-contact training on Friday as preparations continue for the final league match against Crystal Palace and the upcoming European final.

Arteta shares encouraging update on Merino’s recovery

Arteta expressed optimism about Merino’s chances of featuring in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, explaining that his return is being carefully managed to ensure he’s ready for the high intensity of a major European clash.

Confirming Merino’s progress, Arteta said: “Mikel is going to start training with the group tomorrow. Today he has done a little bit, it was just a very light session.” This update comes as welcome news to the Arsenal supporters, especially given Merino’s early-season form, where he contributed six goals and three assists before his campaign was halted in February.

Merino discusses his fitness and recovery

The midfielder himself has spoken openly about his recovery journey, expressing joy at putting a tough rehabilitation period behind him. Having watched from the sidelines as his teammates lifted the Premier League trophy, the former Real Sociedad player is determined to make an impact once more on the field.

Speaking to Spanish media outlet Marca, Merino shared: “I feel great. It’s been a spectacular week and month for me and for the club, things couldn’t be better. This is the first official session with cameras present, but I’ve been training very hard on my own and also with the team. I feel good, strong. We’ve done a good job during my time away to come back in the best possible shape. The foot injury is behind me, and I’m physically fit.”

Merino passes his ‘acid test’

Overcoming the psychological barrier of returning from a foot fracture can often be as tough as the physical recovery, but Merino insists he’s fully confident in his fitness. After celebrating Arsenal’s Premier League triumph with his teammates, he feels he’s already proven his readiness.

Reflecting on the celebrations and his progress, Merino added: “I feel like I’ve also won it from within. That was the acid test. If my foot could withstand those jumps, it could withstand anything. I’m fine, I feel very comfortable, very at ease with the ball, on the field, physically. My foot is responding in the best way and I don’t even think about it anymore.” With Arsenal set to lift the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park, Merino’s timely return means Arteta’s squad will be close to full strength heading into their final two games of the season.