Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker could be out for up to five months with a knee injury, Sky Sports News HQ understands.
The German centre-back suffered the problem during Friday night’s friendly against Lens and was left out of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Arsenal are yet to confirm the news but we understand an announcement will be made in the next 48 hours.
Mertesacker is a candidate to take over the Arsenal captaincy
Mertesacker, who was Arsenal’s vice-captain last season, was favourite to be named new club captain at the Emirates following Mikel Arteta’s departure to Manchester City in the summer.
Arsene Wenger’s side have problems at centre-back with Gabriel Paulista struggling with tonsillitis and Laurent Koscielny allowed an extended break after reaching the final of Euro 2016 with France.
That leaves Calum Chambers as Arsenal’s only fit senior central defender but new signing Rob Holding could partner his England U21 colleague in the US.
Arsenal play an MLS All-Star team on Friday and finish their tour against Chivas on Monday.
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Source: Sky Sports