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Arsene Wenger reckons Mesut Ozil is still world class
Wizard of Oz

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil backed by Arsene Wenger ahead of Gunners return and is labelled ‘world class’

German has been missing for Gunners' recent fine form and could yet be on his way out in January window

ARSENE WENGER says Mesut Ozil is still world class.

And the Arsenal boss reminded the midfielder’s doubters the Gunners won nine games out of ten with him in the team last season.

 Arsene Wenger reckons Mesut Ozil is still world class
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Arsene Wenger reckons Mesut Ozil is still world classCredit: Getty

Ozil has been restricted to just seven minutes of football in the last five weeks due to a slight knee inflammation.

In his absence Arsenal have claimed a battling draw away to champions Chelsea and won their other five games, conceding just three goals.

The improvement in results has led many to conclude that Wenger’s men no longer need their £42.5million star who has often been accused of going missing when the going gets tough.

Former Highbury hardman Martin Keown recently claimed: “I think Ozil is testing Wenger more than any other player because he can’t trust him anymore.

 The midfielder has struggled for form this season
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The midfielder has struggled for form this seasonCredit: Rex Features
 Arsenal's recent good form has come without Ozil in the side
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Arsenal's recent good form has come without Ozil in the sideCredit: Getty

“Psychologically and mentally, I think he has left the club. He has effectively downed tools. I don’t think Arsene wants that sort of player around the youngsters in the group and maybe he is trying to do the best deal he can to get some compensation for him.”

Wenger refuses to reveal if he has had any offers for Ozil, who celebrates his 29th birthday tomorrow and is in the final year of his £150,000-a-week deal.

But the manager has no doubts about his highest-paid player as Ozil finally prepares to return to action at Watford this evening.

He said: “You need players who have quality and Ozil is one of the best players in the world.

 Ozils future remains in doubt as he is yet to sign a contract extension
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Ozils future remains in doubt as he is yet to sign a contract extensionCredit: Rex Features

“It’s true that we have done well recently but last season we won nine of our last ten games with Mesut in the side.

“In that run we beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and Chelsea in the final. So you can always find the example to support your argument.

“Mesut has been back in training for only a week. He has joined in since Monday and he will come back.”

Ozil’s agent this week claimed the player wants to spend another two to three years in the Premier League and it is believed he is now having second thoughts about leaving the Emirates next summer.

 Wenger has backed Ozil to still deliver for the Gunners
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Wenger has backed Ozil to still deliver for the GunnersCredit: Rex Features

Wenger added: “I cannot tell you what is in his mind but I think he wants to stay. I am positive about that.”

Yet even Wenger concedes Ozil can no longer expect to walk straight back into the starting line-up following his team’s impressive recovery from their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in August.

He said: “Mesut is important to us but I have many players who play in this similar position.

“That makes things very interesting because it gives me a lot of opportunities to keep them all focused and refreshed.”

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