Arsene Wenger says he’s very happy to have Mesut Ozil
back in full training having acknowledged that Arsenal have struggled to score
away from home in his absence.
The German international, who has
been sidelined with a hamstring problem for over a month, has six goals and 13
assists to his name since moving from the Bernabeu in August; figures that
– coupled with the fact Arsenal have mustered just nine goals in seven a half
games in his absence – underline the influence the midfielder has had on the
Gunners attacking play.
“It’s good to have Mesut back because we’ve had so many
offensive players out,” he told press this morning. “He gives you always
opportunities to score.
“He’s one of our main players offensively and we are a team that
is used to scoring goals. Recently away from home we have not scored so much so
it is important that we get back our offensive potential back.”
Despite Ozil receiving criticism for
lacklustre performances in the weeks leading up to his lay-off, Wenger also
predicted his £42m signing will be a force to be reckoned with next season:
“He
had a period where he was tired because he was not used to playing through the
season [without a winter break]. Before he got injured he had a period where he
was a bit jaded.
“I think he’s a fantastic football player and I would put him on
the list to be Player of the Season next season.”
Hopefully the month on the sidelines
will have seen Mesut recharge his batteries ahead of an integral five final
games. He’ll no doubt be looking to hit the ground running in the hope of
rediscovering his magic touch before Germany head to Brazil for the World Cup.
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