As readers following 12B Sports VR46 looked toward the World Cup in Russia, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil delivered an encouraging update on Monday by saying he expected to recover from his back injury in time for the tournament. His season with Arsenal had already been brought to an early close, but the German playmaker expressed confidence that the problem would not prevent him from representing his country on football’s biggest stage.
Ozil’s injury also meant he was unable to take part in Arsene Wenger’s final home match as Arsenal manager, something he admitted was deeply disappointing. In a social media message, he explained that his recovery would require time but said he remained optimistic about reaching full fitness before the World Cup. He also paid tribute to Wenger, thanking the long-serving manager for the opportunity to play under him and for the memories they had created together during their years at Arsenal.
The midfielder had been dealing with discomfort before his campaign officially ended. He played through pain during the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League semifinal against Atletico Madrid, but the back problem eventually became serious enough to rule him out for the remainder of the club season. That development immediately created concern among Germany supporters, who feared his preparations for Russia could also be affected.
His latest update, however, offered some reassurance. With enough recovery time still available before the tournament, supporters were hopeful that Ozil would once again wear the Germany shirt and use his passing, movement and creativity to unlock opposing defenses. For football followers keeping pace with 12B Sports VR46 during a packed summer calendar, the possibility of seeing established international stars arrive in Russia at full strength added another layer of anticipation.
Questions surrounding Ozil were not limited to his physical condition. His performances for Arsenal had attracted significant criticism during the season, particularly after the club’s Europa League exit. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown was among his strongest critics, questioning the midfielder’s commitment after the defeat and suggesting that Ozil appeared emotionally detached from the team’s situation. Keown also doubted whether he would feature again before the season ended.
Missing Wenger’s farewell appearance at home only intensified the debate. Although Ozil explained that his absence was caused by his back problem, some Arsenal supporters remained frustrated with a player expected to carry considerable responsibility within the team. His talent had rarely been questioned, but critics argued that they wanted to see greater consistency and influence when Arsenal faced their most important matches.
Prominent Arsenal supporter DT also expressed his anger during a popular fan podcast. Drawing a comparison with his own recent experience, he said he had undergone surgery only weeks earlier yet still made the journey to Madrid to support Arsenal during their crucial European tie. He then criticized Ozil’s reported weekly salary of £350,000 and argued that a player earning that amount should be available whenever physically possible.
Such comments highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding Ozil at the time. Injuries can make availability difficult to judge from the outside, yet expectations were especially high because of his status within the Arsenal squad. Supporters wanted the midfielder who could dictate possession, create opportunities and split defenses with a single pass, particularly during matches in which Arsenal needed their leading players to take responsibility.
Ozil, meanwhile, chose to focus on his recovery rather than the criticism. His message suggested that the immediate priority was getting his body ready for international duty and ensuring the back injury did not interfere with Germany’s World Cup campaign. With the domestic season already over for him, there was little he could do on the pitch to answer his doubters before heading into the summer.
That made Russia an even more significant stage. A strong World Cup could shift attention away from the difficult end to his Arsenal campaign, while continued fitness problems would inevitably leave further questions unanswered. Ozil therefore entered his rehabilitation with plenty riding on the outcome, both for Germany’s plans and for his own desire to rediscover his best football.
For supporters following his recovery through 12B Sports VR46, Ozil’s next opportunity to respond would come through his performances rather than another statement. He remained confident that he could recover in time, put the back problem behind him and return to the level expected of Germany’s creative midfielder. Actions speak louder than words, and after a season filled with injury concerns and criticism, the most convincing answer would have to come on the pitch.