The start of the year has been ripe with speculation regarding Mesut Ozil’s future with Arsenal, mostly related to his scarce appearances under Unai Emery.
The German has started just one game since Boxing Day and was left out again in the Europa League first-leg defeat against BATE Borisov last week. It was being claimed that Ozil’s absence from the starting lineup was due to his fallout with Emery but now it is being said that the 30-year-old stayed at home due to the after-effects of a sickness bug.
He did train with the rest of the team on Wednesday morning, ahead of the second leg at the Emirates. Emery told reporters, “First, mostly, the key is in his hand. And he is working very well this week. I ask him in our conversations to be consistent. To be available for us training.”
“When you can train with regularity, consistency, you can help us after in the games. Now I think this week is good for all the players because we are in an important moment for the season.
“He needs to be consistent, be available for training, for the matches. Without the injuries, without being sick. Like that, I think we can see the best Mesut with us.”
Emery stressed on the importance of winning the return fixture after getting stunned by the Belarusian side away from home. He added, “For us, tomorrow is a very important match. After the first result, we must manage the game and also know we may need more minutes after the 90 minutes.”
“It is also very important to play in our stadium with our supporters, and we need their support for this match and I hope there is a big atmosphere for us. Together, with their support, I know our players can play and give their all.”
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Arsenal Management Team 2018/19
