In what is rather shocking news this morning, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been ruled out for a whole 5 months following on from his recent knee injury! Injuries just don’t come lightly at Arsenal football club.
Mertesacker was confirmed as an absentee from Arsenal’s pre-season squad that has flown to the States, due to the injury picked up after Arsenal’s opening friendly against Lens. At the time Mertesacker was awaiting the results of his scan which would show the extent of his injury. Mertesacker results clearly came back as being a serious problem that could mean surgery is needed on the German defender.
It now means that currently Arsenal’s only two fit centre back are Calum Chambers and new signing Rob Holding. With Gabriel out with tonsillitis and Koscielny yet to return to training, Arsenal now face the task of possibly only having the young English pair as our only fit first team centre backs going into the opening Premier League clash against Liverpool.
If Wenger hadn’t thought about dipping into the market for an experienced top class centre back before Mertesacker’s injury, then Le Prof should certainly think about looking into it now. Koscielny will not be fully fit for the opening clash, whilst there’s an uncertainty around Gabriel. Another defender is needed in my opinion.
Mertesacker was not anticipated to play a major role on the pitch this season anyway as his physical fitness dips further in the latter stages of his career. But the BFG was rumoured to be the favoured candidate to be named the next Arsenal captain, a role that could now be out of his hands given he will almost miss half the season.
Should Wenger be looking into the market whilst he still can, or does he already have enough options at his disposal?
By AH