Ozil recovered and ready to shoulder responsibility

Mesut Ozil admits Arsenal’s recent hectic schedule was “out of the ordinary” — but the German playmaker now feels settled and ready for the drive towards a successful end to the season.

Ozil, 25, has just recovered from a shoulder problem which saw the Gunners’ record signing miss two matches over the Christmas period.

The former Real Madrid star, however, cannot wait for another chance to throw himself into the hustle and bustle of English top-flight action, with Arsenal out to sustain their place at the head of the Premier League when they travel to Aston Villa on Monday night.

“Of course it is out of the ordinary because I have always had a winter break in previous years. In the Premier League, you play every few days — you don’t get a week to relax,” Ozil said.

“I am very pleased that I am in this league because you go from game to game very quickly.

“You play every two or three days and for me it is better to play more games than train because I love a challenge and here, that is perfect.”

Ozil continued: “I feel comfortable here. You can see on the pitch when we play together that we have a very good understanding.

“The team is great and for me it’s been very easy to settle — the German players here have helped me to establish myself quicker than I perhaps would have done were they not here. But ultimately, I feel pleased. The people are very friendly and welcoming.”

Ozil has produced some fine displays since hitting the headlines with his £43 million (€51m) switch on transfer deadline day in September, but also drawn criticism for not maintaining his own high standards consistently.

But the German midfielder is in no doubt he can continue to grow at Arsenal.

“I know what I can do and a footballer always strives for more success,” he said.

“My aim is to develop and improve my game here — but the most important thing is that we play successful football as a team and that, at the end of the season, we win trophies.

“You have personal goals — you want to remain healthy and want to play successful football, but like I said, the most important thing is to be successful with this team.”

Meanwhile, defender Carl Jenkinson believes Theo Walcott has the character to return to action “better and stronger” from his serious knee injury.

The 24-year-old is set to be sidelined for six months after tests revealed he would need surgery following anterior cruciate ligament damage sustained in the third-round FA Cup win over Tottenham on Saturday.

The club have rallied behind Walcott, who is expected to undergo an operation next week once the swelling on his left knee has eased, with messages of support flooding in from fans and fellow professionals alike.

And Jenkinson offered his own words of encouragement for the England international, who is now set to miss out on the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer.

“If anybody is going to come back better and stronger, it is Theo. He is incredibly focused and mentally he is a very strong character,” Jenkinson said.

“Theo will be fine, I have no doubts about that. I am disappointed that we have lost him for the rest of the season because he is a massive player for us and brings us something unique.

“It is tough to see one of your friends out for a long period of time.

“You wouldn’t wish it on anybody and it is probably the worst news we have had all season.”