adminLONDON — Arsenal have been dealt yet another transfer deadline day blow with star midfielder Mesut Ozil being forced to withdraw from Germany’s friendly on Thursday through injury.The £42 million man played the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Leicester on Sunday, but has withdrawn from the Germany squad for their World Cup final rematch with Argentina due to an ankle problem.
However, the World Cup champions hope to have the ex-Real Madrid man fit for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland on Sunday.
The news is likely to concern Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is already without another key player, striker Olivier Giroud, until the new year.
Giroud broke his leg in the Gunners’ second match of the season against Everton, but Wenger seems unlikely to replace the Frenchman, with the boss confident backup options Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell can do the business in front of goal.
He also has Lukas Podolski and Alexis Sanchez available as possible frontmen, while Theo Walcott could be handed a starting spot leading the line when he recovers from his knee injury.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi picked up a hamstring strain in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal in Spanish La Liga on Sunday, the club said.
“He has pulled the hamstring of his right leg, it is a minor injury,” Barca said in statement.
Forward Munir El Haddadi has a bruised calf and tests on both injuries were set to be carried out.
Messi is now likely to miss Argentina’s friendly against Germany.
Meanwhile, David Zurutuza struck twice to help Real Sociedad seal a remarkable comeback and beat Real Madrid 4-2 in La Liga on Sunday.
Earlier, substitute Sandro Ramirez slotted home eight minutes from time to continue Luis Enrique’s winning start as Barcelona coach with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
Barca were frustrated by opponents who defended well but the introduction of fit-again forward Neymar for the final half hour gave them an extra attacking edge. — The Daily Star/AFP.
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