Mesut Ozil is expected to be handed an immediate introduction to life in the Premier League when his new club Arsenal tackle Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Germany star became the Gunners’ record signing when he completed a 42.4 million ($66 million, 50 million euros) move from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day and his arrival provided an immediate lift after a frustrating close season for the London club.

Prior to Ozil’s capture, manager Arsene Wenger had added only free agents Mathieu Flamini and Yaya Sanogo to his squad, as well as on-loan goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

The playmaker is expected to be thrust into action at the first opportunity after finally joining up with his new teammates following the international break.

Wenger says he has not yet taken a final decision on Ozil’s involvement, but any plans the manager may have had to ease the player into his new surroundings are likely to have been ended by the midweek injury to Tomas Rosicky.

Rosicky picked up a thigh injury while away with the Czech Republic and with Lukas Podolski (hamstring) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) already sidelined, Wenger’s options are limited.

Ozil insists he is ready to take on the challenge after moving from the less physical Spanish league.

“I look forward to playing in this league. I watched so many Premier League games,” he said.

“Of course, it’s very physical, it’s a man’s sport, and I want to prove myself in England. I also played in the Bundesliga and Spain and proved myself.”