• Premier League

Arsenal star Ozil nearing return to training

Mesut Ozil says his recovery from a knee problem is "on the right path" and cannot wait to get back into action for Arsenal.

The German international has not featured since suffering a partial rupture of the outer band of the left knee joint against Chelsea on October 5.

The initial prognosis for a likely return was for early in 2015, and Ozil suggested he could soon be back in contention. He was pictured walking out for a session at Arsenal's Hertfordshire training base in the build up to last weekend's Premier League match against Newcastle.

Mesut Ozil says he has grown tired of watching Arsenal from the stands © PA Photos

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"It won't be much too much longer before I am back on the pitch," Ozil told Arsenal Player. "I am working every day to get myself fit and I am on the right path now.

"I hope to be back training with the whole team again as soon as possible."

It has been a testing spell on the sidelines for Arsenal's club-record signing, with Alexis Sanchez impressing after his transfer from Barcelona.

Ozil added: "After a time, you really miss playing football. You miss the ball and just want to play.

"When you watch the games and think that you could have been playing, and playing well, it makes you miss it, but that's the way things are."

Arsenal thumped Newcastle 4-1 at the Emirates and are in sixth place, but only two points off West Ham in fourth, while they have also secured a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Ozil is confident the Gunners can pull themselves into contention, provided they tighten up at the back.

"When you watch the games, we have dominated a lot of them, but have conceded unnecessary goals. That can't happen, because in the Premier League, every team is capable of beating one another," he said.

"We have to get our points by playing the game our way and I am convinced that we will finish the season near the top of the table."

Arsenal head to Liverpool on Sunday and are hopeful midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will have shaken off his groin problem to feature.

Forward Theo Walcott could also travel following treatment on his groin injury sustained while training with England during the last international break, which hampered his return from a long-term knee problem.

Centre-back Laurent Koscielny, though, remains doubtful because of a calf problem. Calum Chambers will be available again after suspension.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd