Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expecting to see a fitter Mesut Ozil when the German international returns from injury.
The creative midfielder has been out since sustaining a knee injury against Chelsea in early October that has had him on the side-lines for over three months now.
Once again fit Ozil is expected to make his return against Brighton on Sunday in the fourth-round of the FA Cup with Wenger admitting he has worked hard on his 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.”
Meanwhile Chilean Alexis Sanchez has been in fine form for the club, helping them to cope without Ozil and Walcott, with Wenger now admitting he has more 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.”
