Mesut Özil is returning to training this week ahead of Arsenal’s match against Cardiff City, after missing Saturday’s derby match against West Ham United with illness.

Arsenal have begun training again following a brief recovery break after the West Ham game. According to the Evening Standard, the list of squad members taking part at London Colney includes Mesut Özil, although it’s not clear whether he’s doing individual work or training with the rest of the team.

It’s no real surprise to see the German back so soon, since it was an illness keeping him out of the side rather than injury. As long as he isn’t still feeling the effects of whatever ruled him out of Saturday’s match, there’s no real reason he should need an extended recovery period.

The only reason for Özil not to return to full training immediately is the risk he might pass something on to the rest of the squad. It’s up to the club doctors to make that call, but if he was fine to join the team on the day of the West Ham game it shouldn’t be a problem a few days later.

Hopefully the playmaker will be back and on top of his game against Cardiff City on Sunday.