Arsenal FC defender Per Mertesacker has suffered a hamstring injury, and will miss the remaining two matches of the season for the Gunners.
Mertesacker has been a key player for Arsenal this season, forming a solid defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Laurent Koscielny. The 31 year old German has nine clean sheets to his name in the Premier League this season.
The Arsenal defender picked up his latest injury in the game against Norwich City last weekend, when he was taken off after being on the pitch for just five minutes. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed to the press that Mertesacker has been ruled out of the Arsenal squad for the rest of the season.
“From the squad that played against Norwich last Saturday, we have lost Per Mertesacker. Per is out for the remaining two matches with a hamstring injury,” Wenger was quoted as saying on Arsenal’s official website. “Everyone else from last week’s squad is fit and available for selection.”
Gabriel Paulista is expected to replace Mertesacker in defence, as the Gunners look to finish strongly in the top four positions in the league.
Gunners to sign Dutch youngster?
Arsene Wenger is looking to boost his forward department, and has been scouting AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen all season, according to a report in The Telegraph.
Janssen first came into the limelight of the English media after his stellar performance at the Wembley stadium helped the Netherlands beat England 2-1 in an international friendly in March. He had converted a penalty, and set up Luciano Narsingh to score the winner in that game.
The 21 year old striker has also impressed with his performances in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, scoring 26 goals from 33 appearances for his club. His performances have helped AZ to compete for a Europa League qualification spot.
Arsenal have been struggling in the forward department, with Olivier Giroud being the only out and out striker in their squad. The likes of Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi can play as strikers, but are also used as wingers.
Janssen could turn out to be a great signing for Arsenal, as he is still young, and has many years ahead of him. However, the risk with signing the young Dutchman is that he might turn out to be a one-season-wonder.
