Football
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Mesut Ozil of Arsenal out for 10-12 weeks with knee injury, DFB announces

Mesut Ozil is set to be ruled out for "10 to 12 weeks" with ruptured ligaments in his left knee, the German Football Federation (DFB) has announced.

Ozil, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Arsenal in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but was sent to Munich on to undergo an MRI scan earlier on Wednesday after joining up with the Germany national team for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The midfielder did not take part in the first training session on Tuesday after a problem in his knee was detected, before being sent on to Munich for precautionary tests with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt the following day.

DFB spokesperson Jens Grittner wrote on Twitter: "Arrived here already injured: Ozil to miss 10 to 12 weeks. Diagnosis: Partial lateral collateral ligament tear in left knee. Get well soon, Mesut!"

The DFB added in a statement: "The Arsenal playmaker already complained about pains in his left knee when arriving at Frankfurt. A MRI scan at team doctor Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt today revealed a partial lateral collateral ligament tear in left knee.

"The treatment will be non-operative with a six-week immobilisation of the knee. Mesut Ozil is likely to be out for 10 to 12 weeks."

Arsenal later released a statement suggesting the club was hopeful the injury may be less severe.

It read: "Arsenal can confirm that midfielder Mesut Ozil is returning to London from international duty with Germany after picking up a knee injury during Sunday's game at Chelsea.

"Ozil complained of a sore left knee after the game and the club advised the German FA to run medical checks when he joined up with his international squad. The club will make further assessments and it is too early to say how long Ozil may be out of action."

Ozil has struggled to recapture the form which helped Germany win the World Cup since returning from Brazil in July.

The Gunners' club-record signing has only scored one goal and registered one assist in the Premier League so far this season, with another goal coming in the Champions League.

Among the key fixtures he is expected to miss are late November's visits of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, and the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool four days before Christmas.

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