Per Mertesacker is in contention for a place against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season.

Despite the fact that the Gunners German contingent don’t return from their post-World Cup holidays until August 11th, the BFG is a possible starter against Tony Pulis’ side. Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski won’t, apparently, be thrust into action as early as Mertesacker.

With Thomas Vermaelen still struggling with a hamstring injury that he took into the Brazil tournament, Laurent Koscielny, as of now, is the club’s only available first choice centre-half. Mertesacker’s availability is good news, but Arsene Wenger is still in the market for a central defender so that may negate the need to bring him back so soon.

Vermaelen is back from his break but won’t play any part in the Emirates Cup this weekend. However, there is a chance that Alexis Sanchez could make his Arsenal debut with a Sunday cameo when Arsenal face Monaco.

The manager should have more information to provide at his 2pm press conference today.