Gary Neville questions Arsene Wenger's failure to give Mesut Ozil a break

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has jumped to the defence of Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, but has questioned manager Arsene Wenger's treatment of the German.

The former Real Madrid star, who has been criticised of late for his performances, is facing a "few weeks" on the sidelines with a hamstring injury that he picked up in last night's Champions League exit.

Neville is confident that Ozil will "return strong", but believes that Wenger should have given the midfielder some time off during the hectic winter schedule.

The ex-United captain also revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson used to give Cristiano Ronaldo a break at Old Trafford during the festive period.

Neville wrote on Twitter: "Ozil getting a hard time. He's obviously dipped this last couple of months and first season in a new league (Xmas football) can take some getting used to even with the price tag.Some players can carry lack of form better than others.

"His body language suggests he struggles and at the moment looks like he's finding it difficult mentally. However arsenal are better for having him and he will return strong! And finally he will improve more when he has a Striker that runs beyond and provides movement for his strengths.

"Some rightly pointing out others who have been up and down in the first season but then improved second and third. Every good num 10 needs 2 to 3 players that make runs behind and sacrifice themselves! Modern game problem - Too many want to be a num 10!

"On Xmas break - no excuse really for an experienced manager. He could have given him one first two weeks in Jan- Ronaldo used to get one!"

Ozil moved to the Emirates last summer for a reported £42.5m fee.