---
title: "Mikel Merino is “feeling good” as he nears a return"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2017/11/23/mikel-merino-feeling-good-nears-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-11-23T22:08:35Z"
modified: "2017-11-23T22:08:35Z"
---

# Mikel Merino is “feeling good” as he nears a return

Mikel Merino says he is feeling good as he closes in on a return to action for Newcastle United, having missed the club’s last three games.

The Spanish midfielder has grown in influence on Tyneside since signing in the summer, initially joining on loan from Borussia Dortmund before the deal was made permanent, and he has quickly become a fan-favourite at St. James’ Park.

However, the midfielder has not played since netting the winner against Crystal Palace last month, having suffered a back injury.

Talking to NUFCTV, Merino detailed his battle to return to action. He said;

> 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.

The 21-year old revealed that he had actually suffered a partial break to a bone and a disk on his spine. He returned to Spain to see a specialist before returning to the North East last Friday.

He continued, explaining how he feels physically stronger now, and that he isn’t far from a return. He said;

> 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.

It’s unlikely that Merino will be involved on Saturday as the Magpies host Watford at St. James’ Park, although it is possible that he could potentially make the bench.

Rafa Benitez will be eagerly awaiting his return, as his side have lost all three games since his injury. A win against the Hornets could see Newcastle move into the top half of the table.