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Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has been a hot topic of debate yet again this season amid his ongoing absence from Unai Emery’s side.
While the German has officially been sidelined with back and knee problems, there has been fierce speculation a negative relationship with Emery has been the real reason.
There have been rumours that Ozil, who was made the club’s highest paid player last January, could leave the Emirates soon.
But Emery has confirmed the 30-year-old should be back in contention to face Chelsea in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
The Arsenal boss has had to field questions about the playmaker once again.
And here’s every word Emery had to say about Ozil at his press-conference ahead of this weekend’s top flight match in north London, which is live on talkSPORT on Saturday evening.
On whether Ozil is getting married
“Yes, I spoke with him in the summer and he said he is going to get married this year – I think at the end of the season. But his private life is his life.
“I’ve also spoke to him because I want consistency. He’s had some injuries and these injuries mean that sometimes he is okay and sometimes he isn’t okay. I want every player to give the same work everyday to be okay for every match. With Mesut it’s the same.
“He didn’t play the last matches but to me he’s just like any other player. This Saturday he can be with us if he’s okay.”
On Ozil’s chances of playing at the weekend
“Now? He’s training consistently with his work over the past two weeks and I think he can be.”
On whether the situation with Ozil is frustrating
“I like to create the same spirit for all, and that spirit is every players gets and gives consistent work and moments with their performances but it’s not easy. Sometimes you are better and sometimes you are worse.
“I’m working with every player in the same way. The most important thing for me is how he can help us and how every player can help us with their consistency.”
On whether he could leave in January
“I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about how he can help us this year with good performances. He’s had injuries and not been okay to play matches, but now after these two weeks maybe this Saturday will be okay for him.”
Mesut Ozil: Why has he been out?
Ozil has only played in four of Arsenal’s last 14 fixtures in all competitions.
He missed a stretch of games at the end of November and beginning of December due to back trouble and has then been out since Boxing Day with a knee problem.
But rumours have swirled that Ozil’s relationship with Emery has also played a part in his absence.
There has been speculation the Spaniard is not happy with his midfielder’s work rate and desire and is actively looking to get rid of him in the near future.
It has also been claimed that Ozil’s computer game habits may be affecting his performances with reports he spends up to five hours per day playing his console.
Mesut Ozil: Will he face Chelsea?
As Emery commented, Ozil should be fit to return to action in Saturday’s Premier League London derby with Chelsea.
Arsenal were beaten at West Ham last weekend, with Ozil not included in the matchday squad at the London Stadium.
The Gunners do not currently have many injury concerns in midfield so it remains to be seen if Emery will decided to bring Ozil back into his starting line-up.