Arsene Wenger has said Mesut Ozil is expected to train today and will be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Huddersfield, while Alex Iwobi is likely to miss out with a dead leg.
Ozil missed the trip to Turf Moor at the weekend after being ruled out at the last minute through illness. Alex Iwobi replaced him as Arsenal enjoyed a 1-0 win away to Burnley.
Post-match, Arsene Wenger said it was unlikely that Ozil would be well enough for the Huddersfield game, but he stated in Tuesday’s press conference that the German international will train and be assessed. Iwobi, however, is likely to miss out with a dead leg.
At Colney. Wenger: "Ozil is planned to practice again today, we will make an assessment of him after the training session. Iwobi got a dead leg, we are not sure he will be available."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) November 28, 2017
It leaves Wenger will something of a selection headache, potentially forcing him to consider Jack Wilshere for his first Premier League start of the season. Nevertheless, Ozil will be a big loss for the game.
It’s possible that David Wagner’s side will sit deep and try and hit Arsenal on the break, which is where the former Real Madrid man has been useful. The playmaker can pick passes others can’t even see, which is why we probably struggled so much without him against Burnley.
However, having Ozil recovered, rested and ready to face Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side at the weekend is probably priority at the moment. It’s a shame Iwobi could be another absentee. Nevertheless, Wilshere or Welbeck filling the role will bring their own qualities to the side.