MESUT OZIL will undergo surgery this weekend to try and sort out his back pain.
But it means the former Arsenal star is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Mesut Ozil will have surgery on his back this weekend
Ozil, 33, has endured ongoing back problems over the last few years – missing 31 matches since 2018.
And he is hoping going under the knife will fix his woes.
He tweeted: “Unfortunately I will be out for a longer time.
“I will be undergoing a surgery this weekend to finally get pain free in my back again.
“I will try everything to get back on the pitch as soon as possible again.
“Thanks for all your love and support.”
Ozil – who was let go by Arsenal in 2021 – joined Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer on an initial one-year deal 29 minutes after his Fenerbahce contract was ripped up.
He was “excluded” from the Fenerbahce squad following a row with then-interim boss Ismail Kartal.
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But the former German international endured a nightmare start to life with Basaksehir.
Ozil, playing for the reserves, was thumped 7-1 by Kasimpasa in a humiliating debut defeat.
However, his surgery will mean he is able to spend more time at home with his family.
Wife and former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse gave birth to their beautiful daughter Ela this week – their second child after girl Eda born in March 2020.
Ozil joined Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer on a one-year contract
