MIKEL ARTETA may soon turn to his last resort – recalling Mesut Ozil.
The German playmaker last appeared for Arsenal over nine months ago.
Since then, the Gunners have claimed the FA Cup and Community Shield but are well off the pace in the new Premier League campaign.
Four consecutive league defeats at Emirates Stadium leaves Arteta with an unwanted record that had gone unclaimed since 1959.
And, ahead of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Burnley, the coach appeared to open the door to Ozil.
He said: “[Ozil] is not in the squad right now. I’m focusing just on the players we have here.
“But, whatever happens in January, we have some time to decide.”
The midfielder, 32, may have to wait until the New Year after being left out of Arsenal’s 25-man squad for the Premier League and Europa League.
Mesut Ozil last played for Arsenal on March 7 versus West Ham[/caption]
Mikel Arteta may recall the German in January[/caption]
It would be a surprise to see him called up for the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester City on December 22.
But if the Gunners’ ruinous form continues past Christmas, Arteta may have no other option.
Where Ozil would fit into the line-up is quite straightforward, with no player making his central attacking midfield role their own.
Alexandre Lacazette featured in that position against Burnley but failed to make a big impact.
Having seen a first-half shot well saved by Nick Pope, the Frenchman attempted just 15 passes in the opposition’s half.
That is some way off the amount attempted by fellow attackers Willian (31), Bukayo Saka (25) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (23).
Of course, Ozil is not the only player attempting to break back into the line-up in the coming weeks.
Arteta may deem it appropriate to undertake an even greater overhaul of his teamsheet.
William Saliba, Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are all pushing for more game time.
A number of young players have helped Arsenal cruise into the Europa League knockout stages.
But, despite the torrid run in the league, they join Ozil in still waiting patiently for Arteta to give them the call.
Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
