Mesut Ozil will be 'player of the year' next season according to Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss says German may face Hull
Arsene Wenger has tipped Mesut Ozil to be next year’s player of the season after revealing the £42.5million signing could return from injury to face Hull on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has missed the last month with a hamstring injury, but will have a fitness test on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash at the KC Stadium.
Talented: Mesut Ozil could be next season's player of the year, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
On the mend: Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil could return against Hull this weekend
Crocked: Ozil looks dejected on the Arsenal bench after he was forced off with injury in Munich
‘Mesut had a period where he was tired, because he was not used to playing through the season,’ Wenger said. ‘He was a bit jaded. He has gone through a difficult spell because physically he was not as present as you would expect him to be.
‘You wanted more of him but I think you see his quality when he is not there.
‘He is a fantastic football player, and I would put him on the list to be player of the season next season.
‘He had no real preparation this season. But I think he has great physical potential and that will come out.
‘I believe that he will know better his partners, he will know better the league and the potential is absolutely fantastic.’
The Arsenal boss said Ozil’s pace could also be an asset as his team try to secure a top-four spot and win the FA Cup by beating Hull at Wembley on May 17.
Coping: Wenger believes Ozil's return is a boost due to the prolonged absence of Theo Walcott
Arsenal have missed the speed of Theo Walcott since the England international suffered a knee ligament injury in January, but Wenger believes Ozil could make the difference in the remainder of the season.
The Frenchman said: ‘He is a quick player and agile. Sometimes these players get you out of tight situations and open up to do something interesting behind that and when they are not there, you don’t get out of the situation and you lose the ball.
‘Can he make a big impact over the remainder of the season? That’s what I wish.’
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