Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker returns to training after five months out

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has given the team a fitness boost after returning to training following a five-month absence.

The centre-back has not played a single minute in the 2016-17 campaign having suffered a knee injury during a pre-season friendly in July.

The 32-year-old, who spent a large chunk of his rehabilitation in his homeland Germany, was seen doing running drills with assistant fitness coach Craig Gant on Monday, according to Goal.com.

The World Cup winner faces a difficult task of trying to force his way back into the first team due to the strong partnership of Laurent Koscielny and summer arrival Shkodran Mustafi.

Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin was spotted taking part in a light training session today, almost one month after picking up an ankle problem.