Arsene Wenger: 'Mesut Ozil is desperate to impress'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that midfielder Mesut Ozil is desperate to impress after his lacklustre start to the season.

The German international has been out injured for the last three months but drew criticism beforehand for his lack of impact in the squad.

However, Wenger is impressed with Ozil's attitude since the playmaker's recovery and return to first-team training.

"He looks hungry – he worked extremely hard to come back. He pushed himself to the limit of what you can absorb physically," the 65-year-old told reporters.

"It was not a convincing start. When you come back having won the World Cup, even if I gave them the holiday they needed, the hunger is a bit artificial.

"You have to be frustrated from competition and slowly get back to realise how much you miss it to come back to normal. I had that before with players."

Ozil may struggle to regain his place in the starting lineup, as Santi Carzola has been in impressive form since his teammate's absence.