Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker faces a five-month spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, according to Sky Sports.
The German sustained the problem in Arsenal’s friendly meeting with Lens prior to the weekend with Mertesacker left out of the squad for the club’s USA tour.
Arsenal are yet to confirm nor deny the reports but are expected to make an announcement this week over the 31-year-old’s setback.
His absence would leave the Gunners short at the back with Gabriel suffering from tonsillitis and Laurent Koscielny allowed an extended leave of absence following his exertions for France at Euro 2016.
Mertesacker made only 24 league starts last season but any lengthy injury would come as a blow to the Gunners.
For more stats on Per Mertesacker, click here to view his WhoScored player page
