Arsenal team news: Duo ruled out of Man City clash, influential ace out for season but Ozil returns

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has delivered the latest team news ahead of his side’s encounter with Manchester City at the Emirates this weekend.

The Gunners are under immense pressure heading into the game after a poor run of form has left them in danger of missing out on the top four in the Premier League.

While matters off the pitch including Wenger’s future continue to dominate headlines, the veteran tactician will be concerned ahead of the weekend as he must get his team selection right.

Both Petr Cech and Lucas Perez will not be available due to calf and thigh injuries respectively though, while the Arsenal boss also revealed at his press conference on Friday that Santi Cazorla has now been officially ruled out for the rest of the season.

Cech’s experience is likely to be a noticeable absence while Perez has struggled for regular playing time anyway this season. As for Cazorla, while Arsenal have had to get used to playing without him, his influence in the latter stages of the season would undoubtedly have been most welcome.

There is some positive news though for Gunners supporters, as Wenger went on confirm that Mesut Ozil is in line to feature having struggled with his own injury problems and illness in recent weeks.

Having returned to action for Germany during the international break, Wenger revealed that the playmaker “has come back focused” as he looks to help the north London outfit end the season in strong fashion.

It’s a huge game for Arsenal and one that they simply can’t afford to lose. With the pressure being piled on though and with Wenger under intense scrutiny, it remains to be seen if his players provide him with the reaction and performance that he so desperately needs from them.

More Stories Lucas Perez Mesut Ozil Petr Cech Santi Cazorla