Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Mesut Ozil fit to play against Stoke, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals

LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mesut Ozil is fit and available to make his return from injury in Sunday's Premier League game against Stoke.

Ozil has not played since damaging his knee ligaments against Chelsea in October, with manager Wenger revealing he is in line to play some part in this weekend's game at Emirates Stadium.

"He will have training with the squad for the second time [on Friday], so he will certainly be available for selection on Sunday. Will I start him? I haven't decided yet," Wenger said.

"He is an exceptional football player. He gives you always continuity in your game and he is a very creative player. Ideally, you want all your best players available. [Olivier] Giroud, [Laurent] Koscielny, [Mathieu] Debuchy, Ozil. Most of the players in the league have 26-27 games in their legs and they have four or five. If we get them fit and ready, it will give us a new impulse."

Wenger's side have a miserable record against Stoke in away matches, but he was keen to promote their positive statistics when playing the Potters in London.

"Stoke is a good side. It is always difficult to play against them," he added. "At the Emirates, we have a good record against them. We want to continue that. We are on a solid run apart from the defeat at Southampton so we want to continue that."

Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are also fit to face Stoke after recovering from injuries, while Giroud returns from suspension. However, striker Danny Welbeck will miss the game, although Wenger insisted that he expects him to return to action next week.

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