Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Per Mertesacker will be sidelined for "a few months" due to a knee injury.

Reports emerged earlier today suggesting that the 31-year-old could miss up to five months having picked up the injury during a 1-1 pre-season draw with Lens on Friday, potentially ruling him out for the rest of 2016.

Wenger refused to put an exact timeframe on the German's recovery, but during a press conference he confirmed that the veteran defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Mertesacker, who had been tipped to take over as club captain from the retired Mikel Arteta this season, will now not travel with the squad to the United States as part of their pre-season tour.

Wenger also confirmed that new signing Granit Xhaka will play a part during Thursday's match against the MLS All-Stars.