Mertesacker absent from Arsenal's U.S. tour with knee issue
The Major League Soccer All-Star team won't be able to pit itself against Per Mertesacker after the Arsenal defender was left out of the club's travelling contingent to the United States with a knee injury.
You may have spotted one notable absentee - @mertesacker has a knee problem and won’t be part of #ArsenalUSA pic.twitter.com/GwEWg0T4Dw
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 25, 2016
The exact nature of the issue wasn't detailed, but it temporarily stalls Mertesacker's preparations for the 2016-17 campaign following a full 90 minutes at RC Lens last Friday.
The 31-year-old boasted a clean bill of health for three seasons until a bout of illness and then a hamstring problem saw him miss out on five matches last term.
The Gunners take on MLS' best at San Jose Earthquakes' Avaya Stadium on Thursday, before rounding off its tour stateside with a friendly against Club Deportivo Guadalajara on July 30 at the StubHub Center, the home of the LA Galaxy.
Related: Arsenal announces preliminary squad for MLS All-Star Game
HEADLINES
- Canada men's team books friendly with France
- Report: Lampard rules himself out for CanMNT job
- Columbus Crew sign Wilfried Nancy to contract extension | MLSSoccer.com
- 29 Takeaways: One thought on every team after Matchday 9 | MLSSoccer.com
- Union complete fight back from 2-goal deficit with Wagner's intelligent finish 🧠