Ozil Will be Unavailable For Arsenal

Germany’s star Mesut Ozil will be unavailable for Arsenal at the start of the new Premier League season according to Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman has confirmed that the German international has been given an extended holiday in order to help him recover from his exertions of last season. Ozil has had an extraordinary 12 months to celebrate. After making a £ 42.5 million move to Arsenal last summer, he went on to win the FA Cup with the club. This was their first major trophy after nine years, which made it more special. Little did Ozil know that he would be celebrating success of the biggest prize of all, World Cup, a few months later.

The 24-year-old played a key role in helping Germany win the World Cup, thus bringing almost 3 decades of wait to an end. Last season, Ozil was extremely good for Arsenal in the first half but decorated in the second half. This was largely seen as a result of the Premier League not having a winter break unlike other top league. Wenger gave Ozil his own winter break during the months of February and March. This appeared to do its trick, as the midfielders form improved substantially towards the latter end of the campaign.

“I have given them a good break because I have experience of players who have been in the World Cup final. You need a rest. Will they be ready? Mertesacker prepares well - but for the first game I don't think they will be ready for August 16. A post-World Cup year is always very difficult and short, the World Cup final was July 13th and the start of the Premier League is August 16. A post-World Cup year is always very difficult for every big club because the players have been away,” said Wenger.