Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been struck down by illness.

One notable absentee from the squad for victory over Champions League opponents Olympiakos was German centre-back Mertesacker, who assistant coach Steve Bould revealed is the latest Arsenal player to be struck down by illness.

"He was ill this morning," the former defender said. "He has a bit of a virus I believe so that's where he is at. We're hoping he is fit for the weekend.

"I am told it is a different virus each time so I don't know if its in-house, I've got no idea.

"We've had about four of them ill over the period of about two weeks."