Mertesacker: Sidelined

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Per set for lengthy absence

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the extent of German defender Per Mertesacker’s injury, saying the player will be a ‘long term’ casualty following surgery on his ankle.

Mertesacker damaged his ankle ligaments in the course of Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Sunderland, and may consequently miss the remainder of the season.

“He has had surgery and we have lost him for a while; how long I don’t know,” Wenger told the club’s website.

“He had reconstruction of his ligaments, so it will be long-term.”

Arsenal are already lacking in the defensive department, following injuries to several key players.

Laurent Koscielny picked up a knee injury during Wednesday night’s 4-0 Champions League defeat by AC Milan at the San Siro, while Thomas Vermaelen is still regaining full fitness after a long spell on the sidelines.