Report: Arsenal fears Mertesacker could miss 5 months

Arsenal is awaiting results of a scan on towering centre-back Per Mertesacker's knee to determine the severity of his recent injury, with Sky Sports reporting the World Cup winner could be out for up to five months.

Mertesacker, 31, was left off the teamsheet for the club's brief U.S. tour after suffering the injury in last Friday's 1-1 draw with Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

An announcement on Mertesacker's condition is reportedly expected in the next 48 hours.

With pundits and supporters alike calling for Arsenal to add centre-back depth during the summer transfer window, a protracted period on the sidelines for the angular German could be a blessing in disguise for the club.

While Laurent Koscielny is a rock at the back for Arsene Wenger, both Mertesacker and Gabriel have put forth erratic efforts while paired with the French international.

Calum Chambers appears poised to take the next step in a promising career, though there are also doubts about his consistency as a performer in a side with legitimate title ambitions.

Chambers will get his chance when Arsenal faces the MLS All-Stars during Thursday evening's festivities, with recent Bolton signing and England Under-21 colleague Rob Holding likely to pair with the Southampton academy product. Gabriel will miss out with tonsillitis while Koscielny continues an extended post-Euro vacation.

Arsenal faces the MLS All-Stars at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose before a tilt with Liga MX side Chivas on Monday.