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Premier League: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects to see a stronger Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on September 27, 2014 in London, England
Image: Mesut Ozil: On the Arsenal comeback trail

Arsene Wenger is expecting a fitter and stronger Mesut Ozil when the creative midfielder makes a full return to competitive action.

A knee injury sustained against Chelsea in early October has sidelined the Germany international for more than three months.  

But Ozil is expected to feature in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brighton and Wenger revealed the former Real Madrid star has left no stone unturned in his bid to come back in good physical condition.

"Ozil is fit and worked very hard and now it is down to him playing games," said Wenger.

"He has worked hard, I think he has taken to the fact that he wants to be stronger.

"You have more time to focus on it. Every day he is in the gym, you also don't have the fatigue of the games - and it is better when you look in the mirror."

The imperious form of Alexis Sanchez has helped Arsenal cope with the absence of Ozil and Walcott and Wenger admits he now has some excellent attacking options at his disposal.

"Ozil is a fantastic player,” said Wenger. “He will come back very strong and we are in a position where we have the luxury to have him back now and where we have some players who are completely fresh and rested.

"It can be very interesting if you manage to use them well. At the moment for me it is a bit sensitive as every game is very important and I have to use players who have not played for four months.

"(Theo) Walcott has been out for one year, so I have to use them at the right moment."

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