Numerous reports are claiming that Arsenal will be without their BFG until 2017.
German central defender Per Mertesacker has not traveled with the Gunners on their tour of the USA with the club confirming their vice captain suffered a knee injury during their friendly win over Lens last Friday.
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Sky Sports in the UK claim that Mertesacker, 31, could be out for five months and they believe the club will announce that news in the next 48 hours.
That leaves Arsene Wenger with a real problem at center back.
Gabriel has also not traveled with Arsenal due to tonsillitis and Laurent Koscielny is also missing after being given extra time off following his part in France’s run to the EURO 2016 final.
That means only Calum Chambers and new signing from Bolton Wanderers, 20-year-old Rob Holding, are around as center back options for Wenger. Nacho Monreal could also slot in for the time being but Arsenal may now look to get another center back in before the end of the transfer window this summer.
The Gunners have arrived in the USA and play the MLS All-Stars in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday, then Chivas de Guadalajara next Monday at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.