Arsene Wenger expects record signing Mesut Ozil to be fit for Arsenal's next Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The Germany midfielder missed the victories over Newcastle United and Cardiff City due to a shoulder injury, but is nearing a return to action.

Wenger will take no risks with Ozil for the FA Cup third-round encounter with rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, but the Wenger expects him to feature at Villa Park on January 13.

He said: "The specialist thinks Ozil could be ready for Saturday. It is no big damage, just the pain now.

"I believe he will be short for Saturday and should be ready for Aston Villa."

Nicolas Bendtner was added to the injury list after he sustained an injury as he scored the opening goal against Cardiff and the Arsenal boss says Bendtner might be out for weeks.

The Danish striker's contract expires at the end of the season so he is entitled to hold talks with other clubs, but Wenger hopes to keep Bendtner at the club.

He said: "We cannot stop him (talking to clubs) but he says he wants to stay here. If he is focused on staying with us and his job, he is a great striker."