Mesut Ozil returns to Arsenal training after being struck down with flu and missing Christmas fixtures
German star joins his team-mates at London Colney ahead of FA Cup clash at Preston
MESUT OZIL handed Arsenal a boost as he returned to training with Arsene Wenger’s squad on Thursday.
The German star has not played since Boxing Day after suffering flu over the festive season.
Former Real Madrid ace Ozil missed the victory over Crystal Palace and the draw at Bournemouth but now appears to be set for a first-team return this weekend.
Posting a picture of him at the club’s London Colney training ground, he wrote on Instagram: “Returning to Arsenal training ground after my flu. Not yet at 100% but I’m back.”
The Gunners travel to Preston in the FA Cup third round this weekend and Wenger will be hoping to have his World Cup-winning talisman available for selection.
The French boss has clearly been missing Ozil around the place.
Speaking about the 28-year-old, he said after the 3-3 comeback against the Cherries on Tuesday: “I haven’t seen him for a week.
“It was an easy decision [not to include him]. He is still in bed.
“He’s not available and I don’t think he will be available for the next game as he hasn’t done anything for a week.”