Updates on Arsenal Defender's Knee and Return

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow after it was reported defender Per Mertesacker could be absent from the first team for five months.

Arsenal are yet to confirm whether the centre-back will be unavailable after suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Lens on Friday, butSky Sports News HQ reported the German could be out of action for as long as five months and has been omitted from the Gunners' pre-season tour of the United States.

El Confidencial's Kike Marin also reported as much.

The former Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner was the Gunners vice-captain in 2015-16 and remains an important part of manager Arsene Wenger's overall squad selection.

The defender started 29 games for the north London giants in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League last term, according to WhoScored.com.

Mertesacker appeared delighted to be back in the fold after the summer break, taking to social media to voice his contentment:

Lee Hurley of Metro reported Wenger is looking for long-term replacements for the German, stating the manager is now "losing faith" with the ageing defender.

Laurent Koscielny has been the cornerstone of the Gunners' defence in recent years and needs to form a partnership with a central figure, as Gabriel Paulista and Calum Chambers have both been inconsistent.

Mertesacker's absence limits Arsenal's options, and Wenger might be forced to shop for cover while the transfer window is still open.