Jack Wilshere: Arsenal players 'devastated' by Mesut Ozil injury

Arsenal is still coming to grips with last week's revelation that midfielder Mesut Ozil will miss roughly three months due to a partial ligament tear in his left knee.

Fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere, who figures to assume some of the creative duties in the absence of the German, says the players were "devastated" when learning such a crucial member of the squad would be forced to watch from the sidelines for an extended period of time.

"We are devastated for Mesut because he can play in that No. 10 and we have seen what he can do at No. 10," Wilshere told the Daily Mirror.

"It will be hard for him because he likes football, he has never really had an injury before. He had a slight one last season.

"I am not even sure how long it is, I've not been back to the club. It will be difficult for him. But he is naturally quite a fit lad so he will be alright."

The Gunners will begin life without the playmaker Saturday, when Hull City visits the Emirates in Premier League action.