Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker ready to be called upon for FA Cup final

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has insisted that he is ready to be called upon by manager Arsene Wenger to fill the defensive void in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Laurent Koscielny will be missing from the showdown after his red card appeal was rejected by the Football Association, while Gabriel Paulista is ruled out for six to eight weeks.

Mertesacker played his first minute of action on the final day of the season after spending the majority of the campaign on the sidelines following a knee injury.

"I was out for half a year and not available so it was difficult at times," Mertesacker told the club's official website. "When I came back new year and started to train with the team, obviously, you want to give absolutely everything on the training pitch and try to support the team as much as you can.

"I wasn't happy about the role, just being sidelined, but just keeping up with the boys, trying to lift them no matter what happens. We went through difficult periods throughout the season but this is really clutch now for us and I think everyone now is eager to play the last game and give absolutely everything for this club.

"I haven't [really] played this year but I have done this for 15 years so I expect myself to be absolutely ready no matter what comes. That is my mindset, no matter what happens or what is facing me on Saturday, I am going to go for it."

The Gunners will face Chelsea in the Wembley showpiece.