Arsenal injury news: Abou Diaby and Mesut Ozil edge closer to first-team contention

Mesut Ozil (L)

Arsenal manager has given the fans a boost with the news that midfield architect Mesut Ozil will be available on the weekend and forgotten man, Abou Diaby, will be back in training on Thursday.

Ozil has not featured for the Gunners since a 1-0 loss to Stoke City at the start of March, having picked up a hamstring injury. Arsenal have been extremely short of options in the middle of the park with Jack Wilshere only just returning to training and Aaron Ramsey battling match fitness.

However, Wenger has been handed a boost with the news that the German international will be available for selection for Arsenal’s vital clash on Sunday against Hull City.

He told reporters after the 3-1 win over West Ham: “Ozil should be available for the weekend.”

The Frenchman has also been handed more welcome news with the return of Abou Diaby, who is to train from Thursday onwards. The French midfielder has been out of action all season having torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last year.

Wenger admits it is unlikely Diaby will feature again this season, but having the big figure around in training will be good for the squad and for the man himself.

He said: “Abou is back in full training on Thursday.

“It’s very difficult to say [if he will play this season] because he has not played for over a year now, and it’s very difficult for me [to decide].

“He looks physically fine, but he has to play one or two games before I consider bringing him back.”

Mesut Ozil has created the most chances in the Arsenal side this season in the Premier League (63), despite being injured since March.