Thursday, 13 March 2014

Ozil faces SIX weeks on the sidelines after picking up hamstring injury in Bayern clash

  • Mesut Ozil substituted half way through Arsenal's game against Bayern
  • Now Germany playmaker faces six weeks out with hamstring injury
  • Ozil could miss FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley
  • Playmaker told he remains crucial to Arsene Wenger's plans during chat
    Mesut Ozil was anxiously awaiting scan results on Wednesday night amid fears he could miss the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan.
    The Germany international suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of Tuesday's clash against Bayern Munich.
    Despite feeling pain on the muscle, Ozil was not aware of the damage to his hamstring during the opening 45 minutes and played on.


    But manager Arsene Wenger has since confirmed the £42million signing has suffered a hamstring pull.
    Ozil was undergoing tests at a London hospital on Wednesday night; with the full results expected on Thursday morning.
    After initial tests, Gunners medics fear Ozil will miss four to six weeks; though the extent of the injury will be clarified on Thursday.
    Ozil will definitely miss Sunday's clash against Tottenham, and will almost certainly miss key Barclays Premier League games against Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester City.
    He is also in a race against time to prove his fitness for the Wembley clash against Wigan on April 12.
  • Wenger has reassured Ozil he remains central to Arsenal's future following heart-to-heart talks at the club's London Colney HQ.
    The midfielder has been under the spotlight in recent weeks; with his performances drawing criticism.
    But the former Real Madrid playmaker has been told he remains crucial to Wenger's plans during an open chat with the manager prior to Tuesday's European exit.
    Wenger, who admits Ozil has been 'affected' by the pivotal penalty miss in the Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat against Bayern, was keen to relieve pressure off the midfielder by making clear his faith in the German is unwavering.
    Sources close to Ozil claim it is taking him longer than expected to settle in London, though family members make regular trips to the capital to help ensure the transition goes smoothly as possible.
    But Wenger remains convinced the player he had coveted for five years prior to signing him will be a success at the Emirates Stadium.
    Meanwhile, Wenger will be cautious Aaron Ramsey despite his imminent return from a thigh injury.
    Sunday's north London derby had been pencilled in for the Wales international's return following a two-and-a-half month absence.
    But Wenger is considering delaying Ramsey's comeback by a week given the intensity of matches against their bitter rivals.
    In addition to Ozil, left-back Kieran Gibbs is also a doubt for the clash against Tottenham with an ankle problem, but Nacho Monreal, Yaya Sanogo, Kim Kallstrom and Nicklas Bendtner are all pushing for first-team recalls following injuries.
    Arsenal are keeping tabs on Valencia striker Francisco Alcacer.

     

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