Mesut Ozil back injury update: The former German international is yet to fully recover from back injury.
The 30-year old midfielder has not played for Arsenal since the end of the international break last month. After being benched for the game against Bournemouth, Ozil missed the subsequent matches due to back spasms.
The midfielder trained ahead of the Huddersfield clash, but failed to attain match fitness. Last night, it was reported that Ozil wants to leave Arsenal in January, with Inter Milan favourites to sign him.
Ozil has previously missed Arsenal’s game against Fulham due to a similar injury in October earlier this season.
However, German outlet Bild has reported that Ozil’s back injury might be related to his gaming addiction. The midfielder is a regular ‘Fortnite’ gamer, and often streams his gameplay online.
Mesut Ozil back injury update:
A website called ‘Wasted on Fortnite’ reports that Mesut Ozil has played 5,221 matches in the video-game so far, which equals to 72 days-worth of time.
A German sports physician has now stated that the video game could be the reason behind Ozil’s persisting back issues.
German outlet BILD have consulted a University Professor for Prevention and Rehabilitation in Sport who believes Mesut Ozil’s ongoing back problem could be linked to the number of hours he spends playing ‘Fortnite’. #AFC https://t.co/sUNjT9wt5V
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 9, 2018
Ingo Frobose, a professor for Prevention and Rehabilitation in Sport at the German Sports University in Cologne has claimed that Ozil’s aggravating back issues could be due to his video game addiction.
“Yes, that (Fortnite) can be the cause of Ozil’s back problems,” Frobose told German outlet BILD. “A competitive athlete feels the consequences of hours of inactivity much faster than a non-athlete.
A German sports physician has blamed Mesut Ozil’s frequent back injuries on the video game Fortnite
😳🎮 https://t.co/fxMlxXHKW5 pic.twitter.com/pDrsgXbNhd
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 7, 2018
He added that Ozil’s problems are aggravated because of his intense training routine.
“This is because Ozil’s physical structures are highly tuned due to his intense training. A non-athlete, however, does not notice that,” Frobose stated.
Ian Wright on Ozil: “The thing with him is; Do you think he’s someone that can adapt? He’s an unbelievable player but can he do it? I don’t know if he can. I had #Arsenal fans coming over to me saying he’s had 19 assists. Henry had 20 assists & 30 odd goals – & he done it twice!” pic.twitter.com/cEJgAQx1ax
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) December 4, 2018
The physician insisted that hours of inactivity could have adverse impact on a professional athlete.
Wright on Ozil: “Is that what we want, just assists? Is that what you’re going to throw in my face? And a hat-trick against Ludogorets?” #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/rhpDL2aH8Z
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) December 4, 2018
What next?
Arsenal will return to action on Thursday, as they take on Qarabag in their final group game of the Europa League. The Gunners have already qualified for the round-of-32 of the Europa League.
Unai Emery’s side is currently 5th in the Premier League, but level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea as Torreira’s incredible bicycle kick secured three points for Arsenal against Huddersfield last weekend.
