Per Mertesacker is eager to return to full fitness early in the New Year.

The German defender has been unable to grace the pitch for Arsenal so far this season after picking up a knee injury in pre-season which forced him to undergo surgery.

However, the Gunners captain is desperate to get back to full training soon so he can hit the ground running in 2017.

"I'm able to run now, painless, and it's what it's all about," he said.

"When you are able to run again after such a long time it makes you feel happy.

"I'm hopeful that I can join the team properly and be available to the team next year. That's my resolution.

"I want to be back on the pitch and with the ball."