Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker concedes injury problems are getting him down.

He is not expected to return to action until next year as he recovers from the injury he suffered during a pre-season game but recently returned to London Colney after spending time recovering in Germany.

Mertesacker wrote in his Arsenal programme notes: “I'm back outside running now, and it feels great, especially to be back with the lads again. My knee has responded well to the intensity so far.

“We're loading the knee in a moderate way and now the next step is to put a bit more weight and pace on it. We're not forcing anything but I feel it's progressing well. Running outside again gives me a huge boost and I hope that it continues to progress well.

“It helps to have a couple of other players who are going through the same process as you too. You're all frustrated you're all feeling impatient and you're all living through the same problems while you're out.

“It's nice to have a partner to talk to, someone who understands what you're going through. All the injured players here try to help each other and be there for one another. Our group in general is very supportive and inclusive though – nobody feels isolate or alone, and that's important."