Arsenal injury news: Per Mertesacker unlikely return for Dinamo Zagreb Champions League trip because of virus, Jack Wilshere still out

The German has been out since 16 August

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker lays injured during the Gunners' Premier League win over Crystal Palace (Getty Images)

Per Mertesacker is set to miss Arsenal's Champions League opening game at Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night.

The towering German defender has been bedridden with a mystery virus which has kept him out of action since the Gunners' 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on 16 August.

"With Mertesacker, it was a serious condition and he is not ready today to play," Wenger said before Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"I believe by the end of the week he should be much better."

In addition, long-term absentees Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky are also sidelined for the trip to Croatia.

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