MIKEL MERINO NEWS

Hits bar Merino had three shots off target in Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Impact Merino came within a whisker of opening the scoring, seeing a powerful long-range effort hit the bar. The midfielder has a goal and an assist in the Champions League and three goals in all competitions this season.

FEBRUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from suspension Merino has completed his one-game suspension and is eligible to face Girona on Saturday.

Impact Merino missed the scoreless draw against Rayo Vallecano after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous match against Celta Vigo. The Spanish international should return to the squad right away, presumably in his central midfield role, with the ability to break the lines forward if needed. That freedom on offense has translated to one goal, three assists, 17 shots and 11 chances created in his 18 appearances (15 starts) during the current Liga campaign.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable through suspension Merino was handed his fifth yellow card of the season and will be suspended versus Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Impact Merino came off the bench versus Celta Vigo on Saturday after having started seven straight matches prior. Despite just 25 minutes of action, the midfielder still received his fifth yellow of the season, leading to his suspension. Jon Ander Olasagasti could remain in the starting XI with Merino banned.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist Merino assisted once to go with three shots (zero on target) and one chance created in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Merino helped get the team's lone goal Tuesday to get the draw to open up the new year. He's recorded a goal and two assists in the last six matches, logging in 14 clearances, 13 tackles and six chances created in that span.

JANUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Stifled against Inter Merino registered one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Inter Milan.

Impact Merino was unable to get much going in what was a cagey match against Inter Milan. He will look to bounce back next time out versus Betis.

DECEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores, assists against Villarreal Merino scored one goal and assisted once from three shots and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 win over Villarreal.

Impact Merino played a pivotal role from midfield in this game, scoring the opener with a perfect header from close range in the 38th minute and assisting the team's third goal with a backheel that set up Takefusa Kubo. This was Merino's first goal of the campaign, but his involvement on the attack gives him a decent floor when it comes to peripheral stats.

DECEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores, assists in UCL win Merino scored a goal off four shots (three on target), made an assist, created two chances and made two tackles, three clearances, one interception and one block during Wednesday's...

Impact Merino was key during Sociedad's first-half scoring onslaught, heading the ball home for the opener with just six minutes into the game, assisting Ander Barrenetxea for the third goal just 15 minutes later and even having a goal disallowed due to an offside. The midfielder was also solid defensively to help his side to hold onto the early lead and win all three points. This has been a quiet start of campaign for Merino from a fantasy perspective and he'll hope this performance is a sign of better things to come.

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Decent two-way showing in loss Merino recorded three shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 loss versus Barcelona.

Impact Merino took a season-high three shots while winning two out of three tackles to go with a block and a clearance. After his first senior campaign with double digit goal involvements last season he has regressed to the mean with a solitary assist in nine La Liga games in 2023.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up goal after VAR revision Merino assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 4-3 victory versus Getafe.

Impact Merino plays deep in midfield as a holding presence, but he can break the lines from time to time. The former Dortmund player was credited with the assist after setting up Mikel Oyarzabal's striker late in the second half. This was his first assist of the campaign in his first outing off the bench.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limited impact in return Merino registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 0-0 draw versus Las Palmas.

Impact Merino missed the first two matches of the season due to a leg injury but recovered in time to start here, although his impact was limited and didn't do much from a fantasy perspective. Given the defensive midfielder's job for Sociedad goes well beyond the box score, he's more important for his on-field qualities rather than for his fantasy upside, as he rarely moves forward and mostly generates defensive stats.

AUGUST 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Las Palmas Merino (leg) will make his return to play against Las Palmas on Frida

Impact Merino was listed in the starting squad for Friday's match after missing the first two games of the season with a leg injury. The midfielder only started practicing this week so it wouldn't be surprising to not see him give a full 90. His return is a big one for this Sociedad squad, adding depth and a quality starter back into their lineup.

AUGUST 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to squad Merino (leg) is back with the traveling squad for Friday's match against Las Palmas.

Impact Merino will finally be making his return back to the squad after being absent for the past two matches due to a leg injury. There is a good chance Merino won't be getting the start or may not even see the field seeing he just started training this week, but the team will be happy to see him on the bench. Last season he was a normal starter in the midfield for Real Sociedad, scoring two goals and registering nine assists in his 33 appearances.

AUGUST 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing against Celta Merino (leg) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Celta Vigo.

Impact The absence of Merino shouldn't be surprising, as the defensive midfielder didn't train during the entire week and also missed the season opener. His next chance to play will come against Las Palmas on Aug. 25, but for that to happen, he'll need to at least have a few training sessions under his belt.

AUGUST 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yet to train this week Merino (leg) has yet to train with the group this week, Roberto Ramajo of Diario AS reports.

Impact Merino missed the season opener against Girona due to leg discomfort, and while he hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's contest, his chances of playing against Celta Vigo are getting slimmer by the day due to his lack of activity in training. If he can't go, then Benat Turrientes would step into the XI for the second game in a row.

AUGUST 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with leg injury Merino was not part of the squad for the season opener Saturday against Girona due to leg discomfort, El Diario Vasco reports.

Impact It was surprising to see Merino out of the starting lineup for the season debut, but the central midfielder wasn't included in the league due to a muscular injury. His recovery over the next few days will be vital to determine whether he can return for the contest against Celta Vigo on Aug. 19.

AUGUST 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes shot in season finale Merino subbed into Sunday's match against Sevilla in the 61st minute, taking a shot and winning one of one tackles in the 2-1 victory.

Impact Merino posted two goals and a career-high nine assists across 33 La Liga appearances (28 starts) mostly either in midfield or on the left wing this season for Sociedad. The 26-year-old will be playing in the Champions League for the first time next season if he remains at the club.

JUNE 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

On bench against Sevilla Merino (undisclosed) is in Sociedad's match day squad for Sunday's season final against Sevilla.

Impact Merino has recovered from a knock he picked up last weekend to make the squad on Sunday, and he could see some playing time off the bench in the season finale.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

On team list for Sunday Merino is on the squad sheet for Sunday's match against Sevilla.

Impact Merino was forced to come off last match with an undisclosed, but looks to of recovered and will be an option for Sunday's finale. He is expected to start in the midfield, recording a goal and an assist in his last six games.

JUNE 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off injured against Atletico Merino (undisclosed) was subbed out of last weekend's defeat against Atletico Madrid in the 59th minute after suffering an apparent injury.

Impact Merino will be questionable for Sunday's season finale against Sevilla due to this potential injury, and with a Champions League spot for next year already secured, it might be unlikely that the midfielder will be risked in this game.

JUNE 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes three tackles at Atletico Merino recorded three tackles (two won) and one interception in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 27th minute.

Impact Merino had a good defensive performance, but couldn't help his side avoid the road loss. The midfielder co-led Real Sociedade in tackles during the match. He also received his sixth yellow card of the season in the proccess.

MAY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores opener at Barcelona Merino scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Barcelona.

Impact Merino scored in the fifth minute to give them the early lead, paving the way for the huge win in the battle for a Champions League spot. The midfielder now has two goals in the season, to go with nine assists -- and he assisted twice in the last nine appearances. He also led his side in chances created in the match.

MAY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist Merino assisted once to go with three shots (one on target) and five chances created in Friday's 2-0 win over Osasuna.

Impact Merino got his ninth assist of the season, which is the second most in the league. It also surpasses his career-high since joining Real Sociedad in 2018. On top of this, the midfielder is averaging 2.5 tackles a game after totaling 14 (10 won) in the last six contests.

APRIL 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bags assist Merino assisted once to go with two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Getafe.

Impact Merino knocked in his eighth assist of the campaign, already surpassing his career high for a season. He also has the third most assists in the league. However, his form has dropped with just two assists in the last 11 games. This follows a goal and four assists in his previous 11 contests.

APRIL 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for return Merino is set to return from a one-match ban after being sent off against Mallorca.

Impact Merino was sent off late during the clash with Mallorca and is now eligible for selection once more. The midfielder will hope to return straight to the starting XI, where he's been a nailed-on contributor in defensive midfield.

MARCH 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE