Mesut Ozil is set to return to action after enduring a three-month layoff due to a raptured knee ligament and his manager believes that his long-term absence will only make him better.

Speaking to the press before Stoke City game, Arsene Wenger lauded his record signing’s hunger to succeed in Arsenal colours is admirable and added that he pushed himself to the limit to be hitting the ground again.

“It was not a convincing start. When you come back having won the World Cup, even if I gave them the holiday they needed, the hunger is a bit artificial. Mesut Ozil looks hungry – he worked extremely hard to come back. He pushed himself to the limit of what you can absorb physically.”

However, he admitted that the creative midfielder cannot walk straight into the first team given the form of Santi Cazorla and likes. The Frenchman foresees good fortunes for his side since two world-class midfielders will now be battling out for a starting berth.

“It is not easy for him because Santi is playing very well; it’s a fight to get back to his best level.”

He also confessed that the German has not been so prolific as of late and added that his injury could be a blessing in disguise.

“It’s a frustrating season for him as he has not contributed yet. There is now an opportunity to come back and to contribute to the team.”

Mesut Ozil has featured in six of Arsenal’s twenty Premier League games so far scoring once and assisting once and his return is certainly a welcome boost for the Gunners.