Mertesacker out for rest of season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that German defender Per Mertesacker will miss the rest of the season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that German defender Per Mertesacker will miss the rest of the season.

The giant German joined the Gunners at the beginning of the season and has gone on to make 21 appearances in the Premier League in his debut campaign but his boss has revealed he is not expected to add to that following an ankle ligament injury.

“I believe Per will be out for the rest of the season,” he told the club’s official website.

“Basically there are only six weeks to go so I don’t think he’ll be sharp enough to come back and play. He would need to train and get back to full fitness.”

Mertesacker is a key member of the German national squad and with Euro 2012 this summer it is expected he will be fit enough to be in contention.

There was good news on the injury front for other members of the Arsenal squad with Jack Wilshere closing in on a return after being forced to sit out the entire season.

“Jack’s scan was positive. There is no problem, it is normal evolution and he is continuing his progression,” Wenger said.

“It’s too early to fix a date, though, we go day by day with him.”

Wenger has had to contend with a seriously depleted squad at times this season but revealed a number of his sidelined players were making good progress.

“Andre (Santos) played 60 minutes (for the reserves on Wednesday) with no problem. Overall we are getting our players back so that is positive.”

“Abou (Diaby) might play in the reserves next week at Liverpool. That game is on Tuesday night.”

“Francis (Coquelin) is two more weeks away from fitness.”