Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has swiftly become a fan favourite since moving to St. James’ Park in the summer, initially on-loan from Borussia Dortmund before earning himself a permanent switch shortly after.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard has suffered with a back injury in recent weeks and has missed the last three Premier League matches for the Magpies, where Rafael Benitez’s side have suffered three consecutive defeats.
His absence in the heart of midfield has certainly been felt but fans will be relieved to hear that Merino is edging towards a return- and the Spaniard spoke to the club’s official website, stating he feels stronger everyday.
“It’s always hard not being able to play football, getting injured and having to watch the team while not being able to help. But I’ve been trying to stay positive and put 100% into my recovery and I know that now it is not long before I will be back.”
“I’m now doing double sessions with the fitness coach to strengthen that and also my core. We’re also working to improve my general fitness. I don’t feel the pain now as much as I did at the beginning.”
It’s been revealed that Merino suffered a partial break to a bone and a disc in his back but has recently returned to training, though he hasn’t spent too much time training with the first-team and has spent a lot of time on his own.
“Since I returned here I have mainly been training by myself. I had only trained with the rest of team in maybe two or three sessions which were not too hard for me. Today I managed all of the training and I am very happy about that.”
“It’s now about seeing how I feel in the next few days and how I manage in each session. My body feels stronger now and ready to step up and train harder. I feel good because I can feel the improvements day by day and that gives me more strength. I hope I can be back 100% very soon.”
This weekend’s clash with Watford will come too soon for Newcastle and the same could be the case for the match against West Brom next week.
