Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka says they need Per Mertesacker back to boost their title push.

Mertesacker is still a few weeks away from returning to action as he rebuilds his fitness but Xhaka was immediately struck by the centre-back's influence at the club following his £34million summer switch from Borussia Monchengladbach.

“Unfortunately I have not had the chance to train with Per since I arrived here, actually," he said.

“Straight away, I noticed his importance in the dressing room because he is a real leader here and hopefully he can get back healthy and we can have him for the second half of the season."