---
title: "Arsenal waiting patiently on Ozil’s fitness ahead of Fulham meeting"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/12/31/arsenal-waiting-patiently-on-ozils-fitness-ahead-of-fulham-meeting/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Articles"
published: "2018-12-31T15:05:24Z"
modified: "2018-12-31T15:06:05Z"
---

# Arsenal waiting patiently on Ozil’s fitness ahead of Fulham meeting

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is facing a late fitness test ahead of the game against Fulham on New Year’s Day.

[The Independent reports](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-team-news-mesut-ozil-injury-vs-fulham-latest-update-unai-emery-a8705151.html) that the German midfielder remains a doubt for the clash, but the Gunners are willing to play the long game in a bid that he recovers in time.

Ozil was forced to sit out of the heavy defeat against Liverpool after struggling with a reported knee issue.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1074992236.jpg)

Unai Emery remained on coy on the player’s availability after the game, with increasing concerns over the German’s long-term future at the club.

With Ozil unable to nail down a regular starting spot in Emery’s plans this season, he has been linked with moves away from the Emirates as early as the January transfer window.

As a result of Chelsea beating Crystal Palace over the weekend, Arsenal now have ground to make up in the race for the top four, so having Ozil available will come as a timely boost for the Gunners.