Arsenal injury news: Midfield star Mesut Ozil returns to training earlier than expected

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly been handed a major boost following Mesut Ozil's return to training ahead of schedule.

According to the Daily Mail, the German midfielder could make a return sooner than the earlier reported January 2015 date handing a much needed reprieve to the Gunners squad suffering from major injury crisis.

Ozil has not featured for the north London club since damaging his knee ligaments in the game against Chelsea in October.

The midfielder had admitted earlier in the season that he foresees a return to action only in the new year, but looks like it's becoming a trend at Arsenal for players to return earlier than schedule, following Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy's return to action.

The FA Cup champions have had a wretched season on the injury front and are currently without as many as nine players, who are sidelined with various injuries. The latest to be added to that list is Aaron Ramsey, who is set to be out for at least four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The news of Ozil's return will be like music to Wenger's ears ahead of crucial fixtures against Liverpool, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United during the Christmas and new year period.

Meanwhile, striker Olivier Giroud has praised Arsenal's strong reaction to the Stoke City loss last weekend after they thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"It was a really disappointing result [against Stoke] and we wanted to come back as soon as possible - we did well tonight. It was important to show a strong mental reaction and I'm pleased to score and for my friend Santi as well," Giroud said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.