Arsenal manager Unai Emery has delivered an update on the condition of Mesut Ozil following his recent absence from the first team.
The former Germany international has not played for the Gunners in nearly a month as he continues to nurse an ongoing back problem.
After being started on the substitutes bench by Emery in Arsenal’s 2-1 win away at Bournemouth in November, Ozil has not featured in the Spaniard’s matchday squads for fixtures in both the Premier League and Europa League.
Emery was quizzed on the condition of the former Real Madrid star as he previewed this weekend’s clash against Huddersfield.
As quoted by ESPN, the Arsenal manager confirmed that Ozil remains a doubt ahead of the fixture. He said:
He had a backache and now he’s working with the physio. We are going to look at when he can come back with us. This morning he worked with the physio on the pitch, running and touching the ball. Tomorrow will be the decision.
The 30-year-old has been utilised by Emery in the early stages of the campaign and was even awarded the captaincy by the new Gunners boss on some occasions.
However, it seems Ozil will have to prove his fitness before he can stake a claim to return to the starting line-up.
