Arsenal have confirmed that Mikel Merino has suffered a foot injury and will have 'surgery in the coming days'.

Merino, 29, missed Saturday's trip to Leeds United and Wednesday's Champions League home tie against Kairat Almaty after picking up the issue in last Sunday's 3-2 defeat by Manchester United.

A statement from Arsenal read: "Further to sustaining a foot injury towards the end of our game against Manchester United on January 25, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.

"Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.

"Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."