The Arsenal playmaker has missed the Gunners' last two matches with a back complaint and is yet to return to full training
Mesut Ozil is unlikely to be available for Arsenal’s Premier League tie with Manchester United on Wednesday as he is still struggling with a back injury, Unai Emery has revealed.
The German was absent for the Gunners’ dramatic win over Tottenham in the first north London derby of the season on Sunday having previously missed his side’s Europa League clash with Vorskla Poltava in Kiev.
In Ozil’s absence, Arsenal have flourished in a formation with three centre-backs and it remains to be seen whether the midfielder would slot straight back into the side when fit again.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon, Emery revealed that Ozil is still training by himself as he works his way back to full fitness.
“Today he was working alone, I don’t know if he’s OK for Wednesday,” Emery said.
“I said yesterday he’s had backache since last Tuesday. He couldn’t play in Kiev or yesterday.
“At the moment, I don’t know if he can play in Manchester.”
Emery’s side are currently eight points clear of Wednesday’s opponents United and moved into the top four having registered another three points against Spurs.
United could only manage a draw against Southampton on Saturday and are languishing in seventh place in the Premier League table.
But Emery says his side will not be taking United lightly given the quality they have in their team.
“It’s not normal where they are in the table,” the Arsenal boss added.
“They have a lot of potential and experience with the coach, who has a big experience in the Premier League, in Europe, in world football.
“We respect them a lot individually and collectively, and we know it’s a very difficult match away.”
Emery has gained plenty of admirers during his time at Arsenal so far, one of whom is United midfielder Juan Mata, who played under the Spaniard at Valencia and recently described him as a “special” coach.
The Arsenal boss responded on Wednesday by saying:
“He’s a very good player and a very good person, I had a very good experience with him in Valencia at the beginning of his career.
“Then he came to the Premier League and I think he’s a very important player here, first at Chelsea, then at Manchester United.”
Pieiktu
150
Pls start Ramsey and torrera in the middle of the park, since xhaka will miss the game owing to 5 Yellow cards from his previous matches. Matteo is too hesitant and quite prone to giving ball away and that’s because he doesn’t read the game well. I like the fact that he always like to go forward and very good with long balls and has good work rate but he needs to be calm and don’t stay out of position as this can expose the defence. Iwobi and Mihkitaryan must be charged to increase their work rate or risk dropping to the second team. Especially, mihki, the guy is quite poor than ozil , he cannot even complete dribbles and he is currently the shadow of the Mikhitaryan we once knew and he needs to start defending his pay. If these two can up their game and keep united wide players at bay then it will pan out well. Both are lacking defensively. They rarely support the defence and allow a lot of pressure on the full backs.
ssuolow
80
As a Liverpool fan, I have to admit I'm really enjoying what Emery is doing and has done in such a short amount of time and with very limited budget. He reminds me of Benitez in his early days but with more positive approach to the game.
ORCHI2113
11
we didn't miss Ozil at the derby day, we are good to go!