Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has started training and is almost close to gaining full fitness. The player hasn’t featured for the Gunners this season so far.
Mertesacker had been sidelined with a knee injury and has undergone a surgery in Germany. He has progressed very quickly and has returned to training. However, he needs to keep up his training and he might be able to get in full shape soon.
Mertesacker’s fitness would be a big boost for Arsene Wenger as Shkodran Mustafi set to miss the festive season after injuring his hamstring against Stoke City. Mustafi alongside with Laurent Koscielny had been rock solid in the Arsenal defence this season. However, Mertesacker will face stiff competition from Gabriel and Rob Holding for a first team place.
The veteran German said, “I’m back outside running now, and it feels great, especially to be back with the lads again. My knee has responded well to the intensity so far.
“We’re loading the knee in a moderate way and now the next step is to put a bit more weight and pace on it. We’re not forcing anything but I feel it’s progressing well. Running outside again gives me a huge boost and I hope that it continues to progress well.”
