Mikel Arteta provides Mikel Merino Arsenal return update: 'He is pushing every boundary' | OneFootball

Midfielder has not featured since January

Mikel Merino is "pushing every boundary" to return for Arsenal before the end of the season.

A timeline for Merino's return has remained unclear but he is out of his boot and has been going through exercises without pain.

Asked on Friday whether Merino could still play a part in the Premier League title push this season, Arteta replied: "It's a bit premature to say that.

"He's evolving really well. He's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can.

"But it's a bit early to answer that question."

Mikel Merino is now out of a protective boot following surgery

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Arsenal host Newcastle on Saturday evening, the first of two matches they play in the league before Manchester City are next in action.

That offers the Gunners the chance to move six points clear at the top and they have been boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori.

Arteta's options have been bolstered, though the Arsenal manager warned those returning from injury that they needed to get up to full speed immediately.

"Now we need to get the best version out of them," Arteta said.

"Being available is not enough. Being available with your best version is what we need in this stage of the season.

"At least they are with us, they make us certainly stronger. We've missed them.

"Now other players as well that just came back are going to have more game, more minutes and hopefully we will see better performances from them."