Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and his coaching staff (Photo courtesy of Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente has spoken about Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino’s chances of being fit for the 2026 World Cup.
Merino is currently sidelined with a rather unusual injury, which de la Fuente admits he has “nothing to look back on”, leaving it unclear when he will be able to return.
The Spain international has been an important player for both Arsenal and his country in recent times, and his absence will be a blow to Mikel Arteta at this crucial stage of the club’s season.
But with the World Cup coming up in the summer, Merino will be desperate to get back to what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Spain coach talks about Mikel Merino’s injury
Speaking about Merino’s fitness updates, de la Fuente said he is optimistic, even though it is difficult to know for sure how serious this injury will be for the 29-year-old.
“Mikel has sustained an injury, but we do not have further information,” Merino told Cadena SER.
“We’re optimistic, he’s optimistic, but we don’t know and the doctors don’t know how long it will take, whether he’ll be back in March, April, May.
“Barrios, Cucurella and Fabian also have injuries, all of them have some discomfort. This year is proving to be a very difficult year.”
Can Spain win the World Cup?
Spain will be one of the favorites to win this summer’s World Cup, with or without Merino.
De la Fuente’s side won Euro 2024 and remain one of the best teams in world football thanks to the presence of elite talent such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Martin Zvimendi and Rodri.
Merino has also played a key role in Spain’s recent success and his ability to contribute goals from midfield would certainly make him a useful weapon for any first team.
