These Arsenal fans seem convinced there’s more than meets the eye as Mesut Ozil is reportedly missing today’s game against West Ham through illness.
Various accounts, among those the respected Arsenal blog Arseblog, have claimed the Germany international is ill and didn’t train yesterday, leaving him unavailable for selection at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
MORE: Unai Emery issues stern message to Arsenal star amid ongoing uncertainty over his future
Not every Gooner is convinced, however, with some talking up an apparent rumour that Ozil and manager Unai Emery clashed on the training ground, and that the Spaniard has now dropped him.
Ozil is missing because of illness, didn’t train yesterday https://t.co/AAvOfLuUoi
— arseblog (@arseblog) August 25, 2018
So apparently Mesut Ozil and Unai Emery have had a major bust up behind closed doors according to some reports he is not in the squad today it appears now we have a war between player vs manager like Manchester Utd have atm!
— NP (@NickPowch1995) August 25, 2018
Emery replaced the long-serving Arsene Wenger as Gunners boss this summer, and is known for being something more of a disciplinarian than his easy-going predecessor.
He wasn’t afraid to drag Ozil off after a poor performance in the defeat to Chelsea last week, where Wenger might previously have allowed his star to complete the 90 minutes so not to dent his confidence.
There’s been a mixed response, with some worried but some praising Emery for taking a stand, if that is what’s happened.
Could these Arsenal fans have a point about Ozil’s absence today, then?
#ARSWHU – I feel people may blame a loss on the team selection. #COYGS
Supposedly Ozil had a training ground argument with Unai Emery which means he is dropped completely. Xhaka still in the team as well! ?????? Also Lacazette & Torreira still not in the Starting XI… pic.twitter.com/jCEqHHh3OH
— NoahSM? (@NoahMillerAFC) August 25, 2018
Ozil had a bust up with emery in training lol defo
— a r t i s t (@Arditj_) August 25, 2018
Ozil’s ‘illness’ seems to be fitting. Good to see Emery take a stand, and demand a better attitude from Mesut. Wenger would’ve benched him and brought him on in the 70th #ARSWHU
— jeremy bassat (@jeremybassat) August 25, 2018
WOW. Ozil not even in the team. BIG move by Emery. https://t.co/8QrRJSqLAw
— Clayton Maddox (@Clayton_1886) August 25, 2018
Well an Ozil/Emery bust up would make sense and it’s what I was worried about. Hope it’s not true
— WillTheGooner (@WillTheGooner) August 25, 2018
Not only is Ozil washed, but he’s a bitch too. Not a real man. Hope Emery weeds out of the club before the next manager comes.
— Joga ? (@TakeaBowPires) August 25, 2018
Oh. Is that bust up between Ozil and Emery for real? https://t.co/YZZUO3VQL9
— Gaijin (@Muyeezus) August 25, 2018