Pictured: Arsenal handed injury boost as star accelerates recovery bid after surgery | OneFootball

Mikel Merino has missed 19 matches since going under the knife in January

Arsenal have been handed a huge fitness boost as Mikel Merino appears to be closing in on a return to play after undergoing foot surgery.

There had been concern he might not return to the pitch this campaign, but he seems set to make a comeback sooner than expected.

Merino was pictured at Arsenal’s Colney training ground on Friday, no longer sporting the protective boot or crutches he has been burdened with in recent weeks.

Mikel Merino is no longer wearing a protective boot or using crutches

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That suggests he may be closing in on a return to play.

It is a huge boost for the player, who is pushing to be fit in time to feature in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer.

Arteta issued an update on Merino’s condition earlier this month, saying he had responded well to the surgery and his rehabilitation course.

“He's going to push every boundary,” explained the Arsenal boss. “He's out of his boot, doing quite a lot of exercises already.

“He reacted really well to the surgery and he's got no pain. I'm sure there is a chance to make that period shorter - if there is a person that can make that shorter, it's Mikel.”

Arsenal will need all the help they can get as their form slips ahead of the Premier League run-in.

The title race is set to go down to the wire, with Manchester City quickly closing the gap to the league-leading Gunners.

It is hoped Merino can be back in contention in May to give Arsenal a leg up in the final matches of their campaign.