Arsenal: Per Mertesacker remains a doubt for Chelsea showdown

Arsenal could be without Per Mertesacker for their meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 19 September. Mertesacker, 30, missed Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb due to a virus and may not recover in time for Saturday's lunchtime kick off. "Mertesacker could still be a bit short [to start against Chelsea]," Wenger told a press conference. "I have to decide that."

Wenger has no other injury concerns to deal with however, with Hector Bellerin and Aaron Ramsey both back in contention after being rested for the trip to Croatia. "We have no injuries. Ramsey and Bellerin, who we left behind in midweek, will be in the squad again," he said.

Arsenal are still reeling from the news that Jack Wilshere has joined Danny Welbeck on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. The England midfielder is set to undergo his third surgery within a year in the coming days and while Wenger admits the setback is a bitter blow, he has waved away concerns it will impact Wilshere's long-term future.

Arsenal have recovered from an opening day of the season defeat to West Ham United in admirable fashion but produced a woeful display against Dinamo Zargeb midweek, where the Croatian champions registered their first Champions League win in 16 attempts.

Wenger dismissed claims the defeat will have a bearing on his players heading into Saturday's showdown however, pointing to the club's decent run of domestic form as an indicator of where they currently are.

"They are in the right frame of mind. These players have a strong mentality and want to put things right," Wenger said. "But it is a different competition. We are on the back of wins against Newcastle and Stoke so let's continue our good run. "It is a big game. Let's not forget it is the start of the season. What matters on the day is the performance."