Arsene Wenger: Why Mesut Ozil Didn’t Start Against West Brom

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed the reason why Mesut Ozil was dropped from their 2-0 win over West Brom at the Emirates on Monday night.

Two goals from Alexandre Lacazette ensured the Gunners cruised past the Baggies as they made way into the upper half of the Premier League table, much to the delight of the club fans.

Mesut Ozil who has come under criticism from several fans due to his laxity in games was a surprise omission from the starting lineup but came on as a 83rd-minute substitute for Alexis Sanchez.

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After the game, Wenger said Ozil has missed some of the recent games against Koln, Chelsea and Doncaster due to his fitness worries, citing a problem in his knee as a reason why he ‘hasn’t practised a lot in the last two weeks.’

Arsenal are expected to travel to Belarus in the midweek, where they will play against Bate Borisov in their second game in the Europa League.

The German playmaker is on the last year of his contract at the Emirates and could be allowed to leave the club as a free agent next summer along with Alexis Sanchez who was close to joining Manchester City during the last summer transfer window.