Arsenal injury boost: Mikel Merino returns to training ahead of Champions League final vs PSG

London: Arsenal has received a significant fitness boost at a critical juncture of the season as midfielder Mikel Merino has officially returned to training. The Spanish international has been sidelined since February, but his recovery provides manager Mikel Arteta with a major selection lift ahead of the newly crowned Premier League champions' final domestic fixture and their upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Merino Returns to London Colney

The Gunners are preparing for a momentous conclusion to their campaign, and the sight of Merino back on the training pitch has provided a timely morale boost. The 29-year-old had been out of action for three months after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot, an injury that forced him to miss the crucial final stretch in which Arsenal clinched its first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Merino was observed participating in light drills on Thursday, working closely with Arteta and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg away from the main squad. While the session was tailored toward his gradual reintegration, the midfielder is expected to join his teammates for full-contact training on Friday as the squad prepares for its final league match against Crystal Palace and the European showpiece that follows.

Arteta and Merino Express Optimism

Speaking about the midfielder's progress, Arteta expressed optimism regarding the Spaniard's availability for the upcoming clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The manager emphasised that the gradual reintroduction to the pitch is part of a carefully managed protocol designed to ensure Merino can handle the intensity of a major European final.

"Mikel is going to start training with the group tomorrow. Today he has done a little bit, it was just a very light session," Arteta said.

The update brings significant relief to Arsenal supporters, given Merino's statistical contribution of six goals and three assists earlier in the campaign before his season was interrupted in February.

Merino has also been vocal about his readiness to return to competitive play, expressing satisfaction at moving past a difficult period of rehabilitation. Having watched his teammates secure domestic glory from the sidelines, the former Real Sociedad player said he is eager to make an impact on the pitch once again.

In an interview with the Spanish media, Merino detailed his physical condition following the recovery process.

"I feel great. It's been a spectacular week and month for me and for the club, things couldn't be better," Merino said, according to Marca. "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 try and come back in the best possible shape. The foot injury is behind me, and I'm physically fit."