Wenger confirms Mertesacker out for a few months

Arsenal’s German centre back Per Mertesacker will be sidelined for a few months with a knee problem, the Premier League club’s manager Arsene Wenger told a news conference.

He was injured in Friday’s friendly away to Lens and ruled out of the pre-season tour of the United States which kicks off on Friday against the MLS All-Stars in San Jose, California.

“We have bad news for Per Mertesacker, because we played in Lens on Friday night. He finished the game, had a little pain in his knee and we found out the next day that it was much more serious than expected. He had surgery yesterday in Germany. It all went well. I know you asked me how long he will be out, I don’t know but a few months. But I don’t know for how long he will be out exactly.

“We have to look for options to get some more experience. You will see some of our young centre backs in action on Thursday as well. But with Per being out, we are a bit short on experience and we are looking to bring somebody in,” the Arsenal boss announced.

Mertesacker’s injury means Wenger may have to rush back Laurent Koscielny, who is resting after helping France reach the Euro 2016 final, for the start of the Premier League season.

Gabriel has also missed the U.S. tour with tonsillitis, leaving Calum Chambers as their most experienced centre back.

England Under-21 central defender Rob Holding, 20, joined the club from Bolton Wanderers last week.

The manager also declined to confirm whether the Gunners had made a bid for Oympique Lyon striker, Alexandre Lacazette, after the French club declared they had turned a bid for the forward down in a statement.

“Lyon is responsible for their own statements. On the transfer front, I think the best thing is to keep it as secret as possible and if we sign somebody, we announce it. But I cannot tell you much more than that,” the Wenger responded.

He also tipped his former captain and Major League Soccer (MLS) side, New York City FC manager, Patrick Vieira to excel in the role.

“I think he is learning his job and that’s good for him to have experience. Patrick was a fantastic player for us and for the French national team as well. I’m sure he has all the qualities to be a good manager. I haven’t seen New York [City] play this season, but he did a good job with Manchester City at youth level, so it’s a natural progression, I would say.”

Arsenal who start their league campaign at home to Liverpool on August 14 play face the MLS All-Stars in San Jose, California on Thursday before a game against Chivas de Guadalajara on Sunday.