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Arsenal receives boost with Mertesacker return

Arsenal FC v Besiktas JK - UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs Round: Second Leg

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Per Mertesacker of Arsenal celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League Qualifier 2nd leg match between Arsenal and Besiktas at the Emirates Stadium on August 27, 2014 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

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The Gunners haven’t had many troubles in 2016, and the club is about to get a big lift defensively to reassure its strong form.

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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is set to make a return after suffering a knee injury during the team’s buildup to the 2016/17 season. Mertesacker hasn’t featured for the Gunners at all, but the prospects of him returning at the back certainly creates a strong option for Arsene Wenger.

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The centerback took to social media on Monday, indicating that his rehab has gone well and he is in fact ready to return to the Emirates. Arsenal faces a strong challenge on Saturday against Manchester United, and Mertesacker could feature on the backline depending on how training goes the rest of the week.

The 32-year-old has served as captain for the Gunners and will likely immediately be restored in the starting XI once Wenger sees him as fully fit.

Mertesacker joined Arsenal back in 2011 from German side Werder Bremen, and has since played over 208 matches in all competitions for the Premier League club. Arsenal currently sits in fourth place in England’s top flight on 24 points.