Three reasons why Arsenal can cope without Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has been ruled out of action until probably the new year and, while the news is a blow to boss Arsene Wenger, there is no need for Arsenal fans to panic. Here we look at three good reasons why losing the German star for a while might not be such a bad thing.
1. It means others will step up
Ozil’s absence means there is a regular starting role at the Emirates up for grabs – and there are no shortage of players ready to step into the void.
Ozil has started six games so far this season so it is clear he is automatically in Arsene Wenger’s line-up if he’s fit. After an impressive initial start in the months to Christmas last season, the playmaker’s influence waned in the second half of the campaign with the World Cup looming. That allowed the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and, eventually, Aaron Ramsey to shine – with the latter’s own return from injury coming just a little too late to help force a Premier League title challenge. Theo Walcott’s imminent return from injury also means he can immediately find a way back into the side so there is considerable strength in depth without Ozil.
Ozil being out for the next few months means the aforementioned players can again assume a more important role, while the often-forgotten – but talented – Tomas Rosicky could even step up to the plate.
2. He’s not been at his best anyway
Ozil may well have been suffering from a post-World Cup hangover as he has not been up to the level many fans would have expected of him so far. Some pundits suggest the quick pace of English football does not suit his game and he has struggled to control matches in recent months with the same poise and tempo as in the past. Frankly, there have been games this term that have passed him by somewhat and he has found it difficult to get going and on the ball enough in dangerous areas to make a real difference.
Ozil has scored just one goal (but a check of the stats show he’s only actually had six shots in the league), while he also has just one assist to his name. They are figures that prove he’s not been anywhere near his best so it could be argued Arsenal will not miss him all that much anyway.
3. He should be fit for the run-in
Like several of the Gunners squad, Ozil was hardly coming into the season fresh after playing in Brazil over the summer. The fact he went all the way with Germany to the World Cup final meant by the time the new campaign came round in the middle of August he’d barely had a month off. That gruelling schedule seems to have taken its toll and this enforced injury absence arguably gives the 25-year-old a well-deserved and timely rest.
The knee injury is being assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and they will hope he can be back in action for his club in 12 weeks or less but his return will not be rushed with Wenger wary of him suffering a setback.
Provided his rehabilitation goes to plan, Ozil should be fighting fit by the end of January at the latest and in great shape to improve Arsenal’s odds in the football betting markets while spearheading what is hoped will be a Gunners’ title challenge in the final few months of the season.