Mesut Ozil Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Foot and Return

Arsenal were without star midfielder Mesut Ozil for Jan. 17's trip to Stoke City because of a foot problem. However, his absence proved to be short-lived.

Continue for updates.

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Ozil Returns vs. Chelsea

Sunday, Jan. 24

Arsenal confirmed Ozil will be in the starting XI for Chelsea's visit to the Emirates Stadium.

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German Star Vital to Arsenal's Title Charge

The former Real Madrid man is enjoying a fantastic 2015-16 campaign, once again showing he's one of the best pure passers in Europe. Taking charge of Arsenal's midfield, he has been handing out assists left and right since the start of the season, prompting praise from Wenger.

Speaking to Arsenal's official website (via Sky Sports for Fox Sports), the Gunners boss said: "Mesut is like a musician who always plays the right note, and at the right moment. His timing is perfect—when he has to give the ball, he gives the ball. It's just a pleasure to see."

Arsenal have already dealt with their fair share of injuries in midfield and the attacking third, but even with Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla missing time, Ozil has continued to find ways to put players in a position to score.

Wenger's men have the talent to survive an injury to just about anyone in the squad, but Ozil's unique ability to spot the open man and deliver assists is a skill only a handful of players in the world possess. Replicating what he does is nearly impossible.

Fortunately for Arsenal, the playmaker's absence is over.