Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, who was set to be ruled out for "at least a couple of weeks" with the hamstring problem picked up in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, could reportedly now face up to six weeks on the sidelines after playing on for 35 minutes with the injury.
The German playmaker reportedly suffered the injury just 10 minutes into the match, but continued at the Allianz Arena before being substituted at half-time.
Ozil was assessed by the Arsenal medical staff today, and because of playing on with the injury, he caused more damage to his hamstring in the process, and has been diagnosed with a grade two strain.
The 25-year-old joins Jack Wilshere on Arsenal's growing injury list. The England midfielder has been confirmed to be out for six weeks after suffering a broken bone in his foot on international duty. Abou Diaby is still not ready to return, while there are also concerns for both left-backs, Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. The midfield duo of Aaron Ramsey and Kim Kallstrom, however, could return to give the squad a much-needed boost for Sunday's Premier League north London derby at Tottenham.
Arsenal's current injury list
Show all 4In the aftermath of Tuesday's loss, Wenger initially confirmed that Ozil would be out of action for "a few weeks" with the "serious injury".
"He has a hamstring injury that looks quite serious," the manager said. "We have to make a scan tomorrow [Wednesday] to see how bad it is but he is out at least for a few weeks. I hope it’s not too bad."
Ozil looks set to miss Arsenal's crucial run of league fixtures against Tottenham, Chelsea, Swansea, Manchester City and Everton, as well as the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Wigan on 12 April.
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