Veteran defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that he has finally returned to full training by posting a message on social media website Twitter.

It seems almost customary for Arsenal to go through an injury crisis and the Gunners were certainly struggling for numbers in defence heading into the current Premier League campaign.

Due to numerous injuries, manager Arsene Wenger was forced to field inexperienced duo Calum Chambers and Rob Holding as the central defensive partnership in the league opener against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners’ backline was completely torn apart on the day.

Following the terrible start against Liverpool, Arsenal have most certainly enjoyed a very strong recovery as the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Paulista have all done well at centre back whenever they have featured.

In a potential cause for concern, Mustafi was ruled out for three weeks after picking up a hamstring problem against Stoke City but just in the nick of time, veteran Per Mertesacker has gone on to reveal that he has now made a return to full fitness.

Mertesacker has not featured at all this season after suffering a knee injury against Lens in pre-season and after nearly five months out, the World Cup winner has finally made a return to the training pitch.

Mertesacker returns in time for the festive period

Announcing the news, the 32-year-old wrote on his official Twitter handle, "It's been a long road but feels so amazing to be back training properly with the @Arsenal boys again and I feel great!"

https://twitter.com/mertesacker/status/808631150113619968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

While Mertesacker may not be the player he once was, the central defender remains a huge presence and his availability during the festive period will surely prove to be a big boost for Wenger, especially with Mustafi being ruled out until next year.