Arsene Wenger has hinted that Per Mertesacker is feeling the effects of a long-season and that despite his recent dip in form he’s still an important player for Arsenal.

The German was rested/dropped (depending on your perspective) for Sunday’s 2-0 win over Everton, but it’s the first time the BFG has missed a Premier League game since the opening day of the season.

Since then he’s played a total of 2250 minutes in the league and 630m in the Champions League for a combined 2880 minutes of playing time.

The only two players who come close are Santi Cazorla with 2579 (2110 + 469) and Alexis 2519 (2007 + 512)*

Although both the Spaniard and the Chilean went to the World Cup, they didn’t go as far as Germany, and Mertesacker had just one week of pre-season training before being thrust back into action – so if his loss of recent form is down to him being a bit knackered then it’s understandable.

“Per has played many games and he has a fantastic mentality,” said Wenger in his press conference today, when asked how the player had responded to being left out.

“We are all here to serve the club and rise above our own individual interests. He has a great mental stature that is absolutely remarkable, and his contribution to the team has been excellent.

“There are periods where people are a bit less in form and that happens to everybody.”

Speaking about tomorrow night Wenger said he had yet to decide on his team, but declared himself happy with Gabriel’s Premier League debut.

“He has shown that he’s a defender who’s committed, focused and can integrate well into our defensive system,” he said.

“For a first game it was a very positive one.”

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Stats don’t include Capital One Cup or FA Cup.

Alexis + 2 FA Cup starts, 1 sub: 1 Capital One Cup

Cazorla + 2 FA Cup starts: 1 Capital One Cup sub

Mertesacker + 1 FA Cup start