Arsène Wenger expects Mesut Özil to be a contender for Player of the Year next season.

Özil has been out of Arsenal's lineup since tearing his hamstring in March.

"Mesut had a period where he was tired because he was not used to playing through the [English] season," Wenger said. "Before he got injured, he had a period where he was a bit jaded. But he is a fantastic player and I would put him on the list to be player of the season next season.

"The first season is the season in which you adapt and then you know what will happen and you go into it. I believe he will know better his partners, he will know better the league and the potential is absolutely fantastic. The improvement will be in goals, assists and his presence in the game."