Wenger – Mertesacker could be a bit short for Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that vice-captain Per Mertesacker could still not be ready to face Chelsea on Saturday, via the London Evening Standard.

Mertesacker has been missing since before the international break with an illness although nothing more has been specified on what is wrong.

He was left at home for the club’s Champions League tie away at Dinamo Zagreb in the week with hopes that he would be able to make the Chelsea game.

At Colney. Wenger: "Mertesacker could still be a bit short (to play against #cfc). I have to decide that."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 18, 2015

However speaking at his press conference before the game against Chelsea, Wenger said that he is going to have to make a late decision on Mertesacker.

It will be interesting to see what Wenger decides to do because 24-year-old Gabriel Paulista has been impressive during Mertesacker’s absence.

The German international has the experience though, and he has shown his ability in the big games before.

However Wenger may feel that Gabriel’s extra pace can give him the edge in the battle with Chelsea frontman Diego Costa, although the pair do have history and Gabriel could be seen as a red card risk.

Regardless of who plays, a win is absolutely crucial, particularly after the disappointing 2-1 defeat away in Zagreb that got their Champions League campaign off to the worst possible start.