Soccer

Ozil should be fit to face Norwich

Arsene Wenger expects midfield playmaker to shrug off minor knee problem

Germany’s Andre Schuerrle (L) celebrates his goal against Sweden with teammates Mesut Ozil (C) and Mario Goetze. Photograph: Jonas Ekstromer/Reuters
Germany’s Andre Schuerrle (L) celebrates his goal against Sweden with teammates Mesut Ozil (C) and Mario Goetze. Photograph: Jonas Ekstromer/Reuters
Thu Oct 17 2013 - 17:48

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident midfielder Mesut Ozil will shrug off a minor knee problem to face Norwich on Saturday.

The German playmaker was substituted late on during his country's final World Cup qualifier in Sweden, but the problem is not expected to be a major issue.

Wenger explained: “He is alright. He came back with a knock on the knee, but it was just a kick. We will have a test tomorrow to see if he is fit enough for Saturday or not. When you have not played, there is always a little doubt, but not a major one.”

Midfielder Santi Cazorla should be involved again for the first time since the win over Tottenham on September 1 following his recovery from an ankle problem, while full-back Bacary Sagna could also be in contention after a hamstring injury.

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“Sagna is 80 per cent fit and he will have a test,” Wenger said. “Cazorla is available in training, but he is not match-fit. It is just about competitiveness with him. There is a possibility both are in the squad for Saturday. I have not decided whether they will start or not.”

England forward Theo Walcott, who has been sidelined after a minor abdominal procedure, is set to resume full training, but Wenger added he was "still two weeks away" from being available, so ruling him out of the upcoming Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund.

Fowards Yaya Sanogo (back) and Lukas Podolski (hamstring) also continue their rehabiliation, along with midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee).