Per Mertesacker earmarking New Year return to action for Arsenal

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has targeted a return to first-team action in January after resuming light training this week.

The German centre-back is currently rehabilitating after undergoing knee surgery following an injury in the Gunners' pre-season friendly against Lens in July.

"I'm able to run now, painless, and it's what it's all about," Mertesacker told Sky Sports News. "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."

Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi have established themselves as Arsenal's main centre-back pairing in Mertesacker's absence.