Ozil missed the 2-0 win against Cardiff on New Year’s Day and the £40m playmaker remains a doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup third round derby against Tottenham.
But Wenger said: ‘The specialist thinks Ozil could be ready for Saturday. It is no big damage, just the pain now. I believe he will be short for Saturday and should be ready for Aston Villa.’
Injuries are starting to take their toll on the Barclays Premier League leaders and Wenger is unlikely to take any unnecessary risks in the FA Cup, even through the fact it is a local derby makes it difficult for him to rest players he might otherwise.
Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Kieran Gibbs were all unavailable against Cardiff and Nicklas Bendner injured an ankle scoring the first goal, in the 88th minute.
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below “)
