Mesut Ozil will miss Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United with what is reportedly a ‘minor’ knee injury.

Speaking to BTSport before kick-off the Arsenal manager was quizzed on the injury and he seemed relatively relaxed saying that he expected the German to be back within one week.

If we wanted to be sceptical about it all, it would seem to be a conveniently-timed injury ahead of the international break but foremost in everyone’s minds will be the hope that it is not a ‘minor’ injury like the one Danny Welbeck picked up last season.

Initially expected to be out for three weeks with bruising to his knee, that was 17 weeks ago and he is not set to return until after the international break (if all goes well).

Per Mertesacker is still ill and also misses out but Laurent Koscielny has recovered in time to return and partners Gabriel in the centre of the defence.