Mertesacker is in the starting XI for Arsenal's Premier League match against Everton on Saturday.

Mertesacker missed the league opener due to limited training following a World Cup victory with Germany, but he returns for Gameweek 2 against an Everton side that can score plenty of goals.

Mertesacker (rest) did not travel with Arsenal for their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday versus Besiktas, but he should be available for Saturday's Premier League match against Everton.

Mertesacker remained in London to continue his post-World Cup training schedule after teammate Laurent Koscielny (Achilles) was cleared to play Tuesday in Turkey. Nonetheless, Mertesacker is expected to be ready to make his season debut at Everton on Saturday, when he'll likely displace Calum Chambers at center-back, should Koscielny hold up through the week.

Mertesacker may play in Tuesday's Champions League game at Besiktas if Laurent Koscielny (knock) is unable to play.

Manager Arsene Wenger said he is hoping that Koscielny is fit, as he was hoping not to use Mertesacker until Saturday's match against Everton. Mertesacker is uninjured, but had a long run with Germany at the World Cup and only recently returned to first-team training.

Mertesacker will be held out of Arsenal's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday, as well as the Champions League opener at Besiktas on Tuesday, the Independent reports.

Mertesacker took time off following Germany's win at the World Cup, and he has only recently returned to training. There is no injury to worry about, and he is expected to be back in the lineup Aug. 23 against Everton.

Mertesacker could be held out of Arsenal's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace after winning the World Cup with Germany, the Daily Mail reports.

Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski are expected to return to training August 11, which is only five days before the opener. There is no injury to report, so Mertesacker should be available for Gameweek 2.

Mertesacker has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to the club's official site.

Mertesacker has been a vital piece of the Arsenal back line, making 110 appearances in his three seasons with the Gunners. He has been particularly good this season, helping Arsenal remain near the top of the Premier League table.

Mertesacker picked up an assist in Friday's 4-0 victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup.

Mertesacker is paid to keep the riff-raff out of Arsenal's penalty area, which he did nicely along with his back-line mates. He also joined the offensive thrust regularly, as he is wont to do, picking up the rare assist - his first in an Arsenal uniform.