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Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil out for up to 12 weeks

ByGeoff Nichols|

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil out for up to 12 weeks

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Arsenal have suffered another major injury blow, with star midfielder Mesut Ozil ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks with a knee injury. Arsenal did not discover the problem and it was not until Ozil went away on international duty with Germany that the issue was identified. He went for an MRI scan to assess the damage, with Arsenal fans hoping it was just a small problem that had a quick recovery time.

However, the breaking news is that Ozil is unlikely to play again in 2014, with reports of a knee ligament tear ruling him out for some time. He follows fellow Arsenal midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta onto the treatment table, leaving them short of options in the middle of the park.

Ozil has not set the Premier League alight this season, despite being such a quality player for Real Madrid during his time in Spain. He has been criticized for a perceived lack of effort, which he claims just to be his laid back style. In the weekend clash with Chelsea, Ozil was extremely ineffective, losing the ball cheaply on a number of occasions.

Nevertheless, the loss of such a key player will be a major blow to Arsenal and manager Arsene Weneger, who will be cursing his bad luck when it comes to injuries. The London team does have options when it comes to attacking midfielders. Jack Wilshere can play higher up the pitch, whilst Santi Cazorla or Alex Oxlade Chamberlain can both be moved centrally. Chamberlain specifically has operated well when stepping into this role and it would be great to see him given another opportunity.

Arsenal’s next game is on the October 18 against Hull City, so they have time to come up with a strategy that does not use Ozil. They will be desperate to avoid any further injuries going into the close of 2014.

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