Mertesacker is not expected to be fit for the opening of the Premier League season due to a knee injury suffered during last Friday's preseason match against Lens, the BBC reports.

It is unclear how much time Mertesacker will have to miss, but his absence should allow Gabriel to start in central defence alongside Laurent Koscielny.

Mertesacker picked up a hamstring injury last weekend and will miss out on Arsenal's final two matches of the campaign, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Mertesacker has battled injury throughout the season so this isn't too much a surprise. Gabriel came on for the German last match and will likely draw the start at Manchester City this weekend. The Gunners back line won't have much value playing at the Etihad.

Mertesacker picked up a hamstring injury in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 victory over Norwich City.

Mertesacker was assured throughout the first half, but seemed to pick up some sort of hamstring injury early on in the second half and was removed shortly thereafter in favor of Gabriel. With how well Gabriel performed, it wouldn't be surprising, fit or otherwise, if Mertesacker wasn't selected for the starting XI for next weekend's fixture against Manchester City.

Mertesacker took two shots (one on target) and kept a clean sheet in Sunday's scoreless draw with Sunderland.

After a four-match spell on the sidelines thanks to knocks and form, the Arsenal skipper has slipped right back into the starting XI and kept back-to-back clean sheets in the process. While his pace is an issue, he's assured at the back and a threat on set pieces thanks to his size. He had a chance on goal in the first half that was blasted right at Vito Mannone. When fit, he should be selected alongside Laurent Koscielny in the starting XI as his experience makes up for his lack of pace.

Mertesacker made five clearances and a clean sheet in Thursday's 2-0 win over West Brom.

Mertesacker is still a lock to start when healthy but he's struggled to stay on the field all season long logging in only 22 games. Even when he starts, though, with no goals or assists he doesn't boast much of a fantasy upside.

Mertesacker (head) played the full 90 minutes of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Watford.

Mertesacker's ailment was never expected to be serious but manager Arsene Wenger must have went through a scare there for a moment with none of his centerbacks a lock to play in the game. Mertesacker has been on and off the field all season long and his fantasy contributions are primarily dependent on the team's defensive display.

Mertesacker (head) is expected to be available for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Watford, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Mertesacker had to be removed from Tuesday's FA Cup match against Watford after suffering the injury, and he could be thrown right back into the starting lineup, with Laurent Koscielny still out injured.