Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino returns to training ahead of Champions League final

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino rejoined Arsenal's first‑team training for the first time in almost four months after suffering a rare stress‑fracture foot injury in January. He said his foot feels great, he feels fit and is ready to support the squad, hoping to be selected for the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain.

Merino described the injury as “a very strange part of the foot” that left him devastated and forced months of rehabilitation, including using a mobility scooter. His return was welcomed by teammates who formed a tunnel and encouraged him, and he spent extra time on the pitch in a light session with teammate Mikel Arteta.