Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker out to make the most of 'completely unexpected' FA Cup final chance as he prepares for first start of the season

Arsenal's injury crisis has handed captain Per Mertesacker an unlikely opportunity to start his first match of the season in Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea and the German centre back plans to make the most of it.

Mertesacker, who underwent knee surgery after picking up an injury during a friendly last July, was sidelined all season until he came off the bench in Arsenal's final Premier League game against Everton on Sunday.

The 32-year-old now looks set to start at Wembley with fellow defenders Laurent Koscielny (suspended) and Gabriel Paulista (knee injury) out of the final, while Shkodran Mustafi (concussion) and Kieran Gibbs (thigh injury) are major doubts.

Per Mertesacker is in line to start for Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup final clash with Chelsea

Per Mertesacker is in line to start for Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup final clash with Chelsea

The German defender made his first appearance of the season against Everton on Sunday 

The German defender made his first appearance of the season against Everton on Sunday 

'It is completely unexpected, ' Mertesacker told reporters on Wednesday.


'It was unexpected but you need to be ready at any time. It was good to get a run-out and obviously make my first appearance of the season after a long, long injury. I was very grateful I got the opportunity.'

The German is confident that his experience can help him excel despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines as Arsenal look to win the FA Cup for a third time in four years.

Mertesacker is keen to make the most of a chance he described as 'completely unexpected'

Mertesacker is keen to make the most of a chance he described as 'completely unexpected'

'I haven't played this year,' Mertesacker said. '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. I owe it to this team and to this club. I want to make sure I will be ready and my mindset is '120 minutes plus penalties'.'

Arsenal, who finished fifth in the league, extended Mertesacker's contract in January. 

His return comes at a time when Arsenal are without suspended defender Laurent Koscielny

His return comes at a time when Arsenal are without suspended defender Laurent Koscielny