Mertesacker set to make Gunners return.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be forced to rush World Cup winning defender Per Mertesacker back into the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Turkish giants Besiktas, the Daily Star reports.
Wenger faces a potential defensive crisis ahead of the trip to Turkey, with left-back Kieran Gibbs out with a hamstring problem and centrehalf Laurent Koscielny doubtful due to a slight hamstring strain.
Following Thomas Vermaelen’s move to Barcelona last week, Wenger has yet to draft in a suitable replacement and has been forced to move recent signing Calum Chambers into the middle from his more familiar role on the right, and may be forced to do so again should the France international not recover in time.
“It’s a bit early for Mertesacker – ideally he would need one more week preparation,” said Wenger.
“He’s willing to play, no problem.
“We are desperate to go through, no matter what it costs.”
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