Mesut Ozil features for the majority of Germany’s 4-1 win over Azerbaijan last night, and is expected to be available to start for Arsenal next weekend.
The midfielder has been absent through illness and injury since March 11, but in reality, he has somewhat been missing in action for much of 2017.
Mesut Ozil’s current contract will enter its final 12 months come the end of the season, as does the deal of Alexis Sanchez among others, and the pair’s performances have both deteriorated as talks have continued to frustrate.
The Chilean is believed to have made his intentions to quit the club this summer, while the German seems more conflicted on his future, and his work rate has come under question increasingly this term.
Ozil is likely to be fast-tracked back into the starting line-up should he prove to be fully fit to return on Sunday, but with this game holding such importance in our campaign, his inclusion may not be appreciated.
Should we fail to win this weekend, we will likely fall five points behind Manchester United, as well as nine points behind Liverpool whilst having played two times less, leaving our Champions League qualification hopes in tatters.
Our season may well pivot on this match-up, with not only our top-four hopes at stake, but the potential mental advantage of beating our upcoming FA Cup semi-final opponents also at stake.
Failing to win the trophy as well as finishing outside the top-four would show as our worst season in two decades, and will further pile pressure on our club from fans.
Mesut Ozil’s lacklustre work-rate would likely hamper us against the Citizens, who are likely to play a strong physical game as they seek a second win over us this term. He has also been described as going missing in the big games, further pushing me to hope he is not on the team-sheet.
Should Ozil play against Man City at the weekend? Does he pose a weakness in games such as these?
Pat J