Mesut Ozil has been absent from Arsenal’s matchday squad for the last three competitive fixtures, and one of the reasons for his exclusion has left some Gunners fans stunned.
The 31-year-old has missed the matches against Manchester United, Standard Liege and Bournemouth in recent weeks despite being fully fit.
Unai Emery has claimed that the German hasn’t deserved a place in the squad, and recent reports have suggested the playmaker will leave the Emirates in the new year.
And according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, cited by Daily Cannon writer Dan Critchlow, one of the reasons for the midfielder’s absence has been down to his GPS data in training.
Twitter: Another couple of points from Ornstein:
– Özil’s GPS data in training is a factor in his current absence.
– Staff… https://t.co/D3OrfI6oWw (@afcDW)
This revelation led to plenty of Arsenal fans weighing in with their views, with many left shocked.
Twitter: @afcDW Özil gets benched because there’s a problem with his GPS? The excuses are getting sillier by the day. (@92sai)
Twitter: @afcDW I’m pretty sure I remember Ozil being in the top 10 for distance covered per 90 until recently among Arsenal players (@vishalrelwani)
Twitter: @afcDW I thought they only wear those in pre season? (@merci6632)
Twitter: @afcDW Are you saying that if he run like a mindless idiot he will be selected ? I didn’t knew that we were training for London marathon. (@amaldev333)
Twitter: @afcDW @92sai So they are telling us that as long as you running around the field as much as you can you will earn… https://t.co/FWrIwCC9c8 (@ichukzy)
Read Arsenal verdict
Data is a huge part of the game now, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Ozil’s stats in training are actually the main reason for his absence.
Everyone knows that he isn’t the energetic box-to-box midfielder Emery loves to have in his side, and his apparent laid back approach during the week appears to be costing him dearly.
It’s obvious that the boss doesn’t view the playmaker as a key player in north London anymore, and he now looks to end his six-year stay in the new year.
Arsenal fans would’ve been hoping for a sweeter send-off for Ozil, and if his data in training doesn’t improve, we could have seen the last of him in a Gunners shirt.
