Wenger on Mertesacker and Lacazette

Arsène Wenger discussed Per Mertesacker's injury, transfers, Granit Xhaka
and Gedion Zelalem during his pre-MLS All-Stars game press conference.

Read on to see what he said.

Catch up on Arsenal's tour of the US:

• Pics: Arsenal's first training session
• Video: US tour, day one
• Read: Wenger on US football "waking up"

on Mertesacker...
We have bad news on Per Mertesacker. He played in Lens on Friday night, he finished the game and had a little pain on his knee. We found out the next day that it was much more serious than expected. He had surgery yesterday in Germany. It all went well. I know you will ask me for how long he will be out. I don’t know that, it’s [some] months, but I don’t know [exactly] how long he will be out for.

on Xhaka…
He will play a part in the game. He is a bit short fitness-wise, because he just came back last week.

• Quiz: How well do you know Xhaka?

on how injury to Mertesacker complicates defensive options…
We have to look for an option to get a bit more experience. We will see some of our young centre backs on Thursday as well. With Per being out, we are a bit short on the experience front and we are looking to bring somebody in.

on Lyon issuing statement regarding bid for Lacazette…
Lyon is responsible for their own statements. On the transfer front, I think the best [option] is always to keep as secret as possible. If we sign somebody, we will announce it. But I cannot tell you much more on that. 

Wenger on Zelalem…
Last season he was on loan at Glasgow Rangers, where he did quite well. He is a player with top quality. He might take a bit longer to mature because he was physically a little bit behind on body structure but I’m sure he will be a great player. He [matured a bit slowly] physically but overall I’m convinced that he will make a great career. Will he play? Certainly a part of the game as well.

Find out more about Friday's opponents:

More quizzes coming soon!