Mikel Merino is aiming to make his on-field comeback for Arsenal against Crystal Palace this Sunday, revealing that the Champions League run helped motivate his recovery.
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After close to four months out of action, Mikel Merino returned to light training with Arsenal on Thursday, and he’s taking part in a full session with the team today.
The question now is whether he’ll be fit for the Gunners final two games of the season, and the midfielder himself is optimistic he’ll be able to play a role for the team as soon as Sunday.
“That’s the goal,” Merino said. “I’m with the team. Whenever the gaffer needs, I’ll be ready to do whatever he wants.”
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Merino seemed positive about his injury recovery, suggesting his foot is no longer causing him issues.
“My foot is great,” Merino said. “I’m not even thinking about it anymore. I’m just really pleased to be outside with the lads today.
“I’ve been training really hard, on the grass and inside with strength and conditioning coaches and physios, trying to give everything, every single day, to be as close to perfection. I feel fit. I’m ready to go.”
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Arsenal will be lifting the Premier League trophy on Sunday, but the Gunners also have the chance to win the Champions League next weekend. Merino admits the prospect of the final was often a source of motivation for him as he worked on his rehabilitation.
“Every time [my teammates] saw me they were asking me how I was doing, if I was better, telling me they were rooting for me and that I was going to get back soon enough to help them and score a header in the Champions League final,” Merino said.
“Those conversations always give you a little extra motivation, make you feel included. I felt very loved.”
Arsenal would certainly welcome all the help they can get against Paris Saint-Germain next Saturday, and perhaps Merino can make a case for himself in a possible comeback game this weekend.