The former Germany international looked to be fit and even trained with his teammates at London Colney ahead of Thursday’s 1-0 loss against BATE Borisov. After over a month of sticking to the sidelines, the Gunners fans expected their £350,000-per-week player to make an appearance.
Ozil ended up not even travelling with the side to Belarus and Emery ended up collecting a shocking away defeat. When the Spanish boss revealed the squad list without Ozil’s name he was asked the reasoning behind his team selection.
He replied, “The players we didn’t bring in the squad were because Aaron Ramsey did not train with us and Sokratis only started training on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I don’t think it’s enough. Mesut is the same. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, after he was sick, trained this week, and I think he’s OK for the match.”
After the Europa League loss, Ozil took to Instagram to post a supportive message towards his teammates and the club. While the post was filled with reactions from plenty of fans, one read, “We miss you bro. Keep fighting and stay strong. Show Emery, dumb pundits and the world they are wrong.”
Ozil ended up liking the comment which is a clear indication of agreement. When rumours were circling during the January transfer window, even his agent came out and stated that the 30-year-old did not wish to leave the club anytime soon.
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