We wouldn’t wish injury on any man and nor, we are certain, would the honourable Arsene Wenger.
But, with news that Mesut Ozil will be out for three months with a knee injury, it allows Wenger some respite from what was arguably becoming an impossible situation.
Ozil’s form has been sporadically decent this season. But he has failed to hit the heights of the start of his Arsenal career when he scored and created seemingly at will.
The more cynical might suggest that Ozil’s heart just isn’t in it. Certainly, at club level, his body language hasn’t been great over the last 6 months.
But, having to already suffer such regular criticism about his signing and selection policy, would Wenger have had the strength to drop a player who cost the club £42.5m just a year ago?
The answer is possibly no. So this injury may seem to Wenger to be a blessing in disguise. Ozil is out for a few months and when he comes back he could be a new man. He’s played so much football over the last year that the break from the game may work wonders.
Arsenal haven’t been at their best with Ozil in the side and now Arsene Wenger can tinker with his line up without facing criticism for leaving his record buy out of the side.
No injury could ever be described as a good one. But this one could most definitely have come at a worse time for Wenger and Arsenal.
Arsenal fans: Do you think Ozil needs the break?