Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs are doubtful for Arsenal's Besiktas clash with injuries as Arsene Wenger turns to early Per Mertesacker return after World Cup triumph

  • Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs suffered knocks in Arsenal's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace
  • Per Mertesacker may be introduced into Arsenal's first eleven earlier than expected as a result
  • Mertesacker was scheduled to miss the first few weeks of the Premier League campaign after winning the World Cup with Germany 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering bringing defender Per Mertesacker back from his post-World Cup lay-off early as injury cover for Tuesday's Champions League first leg play-off against Besiktas.

Mertesacker and his Germany team-mates Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski were given the extended break by Wenger after the World Cup triumph in Brazil last month with the trio scheduled to miss the first few weeks of the campaign.

However, defenders Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs suffered knocks in Saturday's last-gasp 2-1 win over Crystal Palace meaning Mertesacker, who last week announced his international retirement, could be drafted in to play in Turkey.


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Late starters: (from left) Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil had an extended break

Late starters: (from left) Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil had an extended break

'We will assess Koscielny on Monday,' Wenger said. 'If he's fit and capable to play, we play him. It was our plan to bring the Germans back for Everton (on Saturday). But in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker.

'Ideally he would need one more week preparation but he's willing to play, no problem. We are a bit short.'

Frenchman Koscielny drew the Gunners level on the stroke of half-time on Saturday after Brede Hangeland's glancing header gave Palace the lead at the Emirates Stadium.

Storming summer: Mertesacker got his hands on the World Cup as Germany triumphed in Brazil

Storming summer: Mertesacker got his hands on the World Cup as Germany triumphed in Brazil

Koscielny played the full 90 minutes but suffered from pain in his foot, while Gibbs lasted little over an hour before succumbing to a hamstring injury.

Arsenal are aiming to reach the Champions League group stage for the 17th consecutive season.

After an impressive 3-0 Community Shield win over champions Manchester City and the victory over Palace, courtesy of Aaron Ramsey's late winner, Wenger was confident of progressing past the Turkish side.

VIDEO Wenger lauds late Ramsey goal

Concern: Laurent Koscielny (left) was suffering from pain in his foot when Arsenal beat Crystal Palace

Concern: Laurent Koscielny (left) was suffering from pain in his foot when Arsenal beat Crystal Palace

This is how we do it: Arsene Wenger takes training on Monday before Arsenal head for Turkey

This is how we do it: Arsene Wenger takes training on Monday before Arsenal head for Turkey

'We are desperate to do it because we want to play in the Champions League and we know how big these games are,' he added.

'We had to give a lot, hopefully we will recover and be ready for Tuesday night.

'We are desperate to go through, no matter what it costs we want to go through. We have always a difficult draw, we had Fenerbahce last year, this time we have Besiktas. It's difficult.'