Ozil’s last appearance for Arsenal came on Boxing Day
Mesut Ozil has been left out of Arsenal’s squad to face West Ham on Saturday.
The German playmaker has missed the last three games for his club with a knee problem and had been expected to be included in the squad for the early kick-off at the London Stadium. Despite this, he missed out, Unai Emery not even naming him on the bench for the game.
At this stage, it’s unclear as to why Ozil, who tweeted on Friday that he’d completed a full week of training, has not been named in the squad.
Full week of team training done ✔💪🏼♥ #M1Ö #YaGunnersYa #COYG @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/fYrJiSq9dR
— Mesut Özil (@M10) January 11, 2019
Clearly, plenty of Arsenal supporters were surprised by his omission, some interpreting it as a sign that his days at the club are numbered.
WHERE IS ÖZIL pic.twitter.com/1bjcscsS37
— ArsenalCreator (@ArsenalCreator1) January 12, 2019
No ozil pic.twitter.com/G1MQdZ55uW
— P™ (@SemperFiArsenal) January 12, 2019
Back in full training indeed! 😂
— Mo (@MoCheda_) January 12, 2019
Ozil back in full training and not even in the team. “tactical reason”? come on man, he is literally the richest player in the squad!
— Nayf (@ZenKo78) January 12, 2019
I think it’s the end of Ozil at Arsenal unfortunately. He’s been training all week fit for selection and doesn’t even make the bench.
— Cillian (@CillianAFC) January 12, 2019
Don't get why ozil isn't even on bench I mean Eddie is good but rather ozil
— AFC TILL I DIE (@JamesJo89587516) January 12, 2019
Thing is, we’ve no hope of selling Ozil if he’s not playing. If Emery wants rid then surely playing him against muck, in the hope he has a good game is worth doing?
— Ross (@RossEndersonAFC) January 12, 2019
While Ozil missed out, Arsenal were boosted by the news that Spanish duo Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal, both of whom have struggled with injuries lately, have were on the bench for the game.
There was also a familiar face in the opposition. Sami Nasri, an Arsenal player between 2008 and 2011, was named a surprise starter for West Ham after recently joining the club.
