Arsenal and Germany dealt Mertesacker blow
Friday, February 17, 2012
Article summary
Arsenal FC and Germany centre-back Per Mertersacker's involvement in UEFA EURO 2012 has been cast into doubt after he was ruled out for the "long term" following ankle surgery.
Article top media content
Article body
Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wenger expects centre-back Per Mertesacker to be out for the "long term" following surgery to his damaged right ankle.
Mertesacker missed Arsenal's 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat away to AC Milan on Wednesday, having limped off midway through the second half of last weekend's 2-1 Premier League win at Sunderland AFC.
Wenger has subsequently confirmed the extent of the damage suffered by the 27-year-old Germany defender, potentially casting doubt over his involvement in UEFA EURO 2012. "Unfortunately he has had surgery and we have lost him for a while," said the Frenchman. "How long I don't know. He had reconstruction of his ligaments, so it will be long term."
Arsenal conclude their round of 16 tie against the Rossoneri with the second leg in north London on 6 March. Germany begin their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign against Portugal in Lviv on 9 June.
