Arsenal boost as Mikel Merino could be available for Champions League final | OneFootball

Arsenal have been handed a likely and timely injury boost ahead of the Champions League final after Mikel Merino returned to first-team training.

The Gunners take on Paris Saint-Germain next Saturday and manager Mikel Arteta will be desperate to return to the Emirates Stadium with the trophy.

Merino has not played for Arsenal since January following surgery, but he was spotted today doing some work with Arteta and the coaches after the rest of the squad went back inside following training.

The Gunners star returned to training on grass earlier this month and has been pushing hard to return to action before the end of the season.

Merino was spotted at the Arsenal training ground last month without his protective boot or crutches.

It was a huge boost as the foot injury he sustained against Manchester United was expected to rule him out of action for the remainder of the season.

The Spaniard broke a bone in his right foot but is now nearing full fitness and could feature against PSG.

It is unknown whether Merino could see action against Crystal Palace on Sunday in the last Premier League game of 2025-26.

However, an appearance in the Champions League final seems to be on the cards for him, and he could prove to be a key player if he features in the game.

Jurrien Timber is the other Arsenal player currently unavailable due to an injury, and the Dutchman will be desperate to return for the match in Budapest as history is eyed.

Arteta could do with a fully fit squad heading into the final of the elite European competition, and adding the trophy to the Premier League title will be huge for the Gunners after disappointing FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns.