Per Mertesacker Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Ankle and Return

An ankle injury could keep Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker out of the Gunners' upcoming Premier League showdown with Chelsea, according to reports. 

Continue for updates.

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Mertesacker 50/50 for Chelsea Match

Thursday, April 23

Arsene Wenger confirmed during Thursday's pre-match press conference that Mertesacker is struggling to make Sunday's clash with Chelsea, per the London Evening Standard's James Olley:

John Cross of the Mirror reported on April 22 the German "faces a race against time to be fit" for Sunday's fixture after picking up the problem during Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final win over Reading last Saturday.

The knock means that the Gunners, who already have a scarcity of centre-backs in the squad, may have to toy with their back four once again. Gabriel Paulista could step in if Mertesacker misses out.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Mertesacker hasn’t enjoyed the best of campaigns this season and has come in for heavy criticism after some meek performances against myriad opposition.

Arguably the most embarrassing moment of his campaign came at Anfield when Martin Skrtel scored a late equaliser for the Reds, as we can see here, courtesy of Squawka Football:

Nonetheless, when paired with Laurent Koscielny, the German has looked a much more accomplished defender. While some Gunners won’t see his potential omission as too big a loss, Mertesacker’s experience, influence and sheer presence at the heart of this defence will be difficult for Arsene Wenger to replace.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

The 30-year-old has been key to the side's recent nine-game unbeaten run, finding a run of form at the right time for Arsenal.

Wenger may take comfort from knowing all three of Chelsea's strikers—Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Didier Drogba—are struggling for fitness, but the loss of Mertesacker would severely dent Arsenal's chances in a match which is must-win if they're to maintain distant hopes of landing the title.