WENGER BACKS OZIL TO IMPACT

 

The German World Cup winner has flattered to deceive for much of his time at the Emirates following his club-record move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

Ozil has played just nine times for the Gunners this campaign and even on those appearances he was often outshone by the likes of Alexis Sanchez.
The 26-year-old has been missing with a knee injury and has not featured since the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at the beginning of October.
But Wenger insists the former Werder Bremen star is ready to show the Arsenal supporters what they have been missing and is in contention to play some part in Sunday's Premier League clash with Stoke.

 

"I think it has been a frustrating start (to the season) for him because he hasn't contributed yet," Wenger said of his £42million man.
"He had not a convincing start obviously, he only played six games and scored one goal against Aston Villa.
"Mesut has the opportunity to come back and to contribute to the team, when you're a football player you want to play games.
"Today he looks hungry and is working extremely hard, pushing himself to the limit of what you can absorb physically to come back. It is not easy for him. Santi (Cazorla) is playing very well. It is a fight to get back to his best level."
Ozil may have not played for over three months but Wenger believes he is now in a position to kick-start his season having tasted World Cup glory in Brazil last summer.
"He is ready. He is hungry," Wenger added.

 

"He came back from winning the World Cup at the end of August, even if I gave him the holiday they needed the hunger is artificial. You have to slowly get back and realise how much you miss it - I have had it with players before.
"He is an exceptional football player. He always gives you continuity in your game. He's a very creative player and ideally you want all your best players available.
"The advantage of these (injured) players - for example (Olivier) Giroud, (Laurent) Koscielny, (Mathieu) Debuchy, Ozil - at the moment where most of the players in the league have played 26 or 27 games in their legs, they have four or five. If we can get them ready and fresh and competitive, it can give us a new impulse."
Ozil's return to the first-team fold coincides with Aaron Ramsey's return to fitness as Wenger looks to seal a victory over Stoke than could see them close in on the top four.
Olivier Giroud will also be available following his suspension but Danny Welbeck will still be missing, with Wenger hoping to have the England forward back next week.