Arsenal to lose Mertesacker for five months?

Arsenal’s injury crisis jinx looks like it has struck before the new season has even started with a report claiming Per Mertesacker could be out for up to five months.

The German international picked up a knee injury during the Gunners’ friendly against Lens last week and was omitted from the squad for the pre-season tour to the United States.

Sky Sports, though, reports that he could be out for up to five months and “Arsenal are yet to confirm the news but we understand an announcement will be made in the next 48 hours”.

Calum Chambers and Rob Holding, who recently joined from Bolton, are the only fit centre-backs on tour as Gabriel is out with tonsillitis while Laurent Koscielny has been given an extended break.