The German international has been ruled out for three months.
Arsenal’s incredible injury problems have resurfaced, with Mesut Ozil now being ruled out for up to three months with a knee problem.
This may prove to be a blessing in disguise however, as Arsenal have struggled to fit all their attacking options into the team, and Ozil’s form has been the worst of any of them. Perhaps because of the fee they paid for him, Arsene Wenger has yet to drop him.
Ozil has been linked with moves away from the Emirates, and the team that Wenger picks in his absence might give some indication of what the team would look like if Ozil were to leave.
Wenger might take this opportunity to switch to a 4-3-3, reducing his attacking options but making the team more solid defensively. Both Ramsey and Wilshere have the skillset to play as a conventional midfielder while also being able to break forward in attack, and so their partnership would be ideal to this.
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GK – Wojciech Szczesny
Ozil’s injury would have no effect on the Polish keeper’s place in the team, but he will be under considerable pressure from David Ospina.
RB – Calum Chambers
Chambers will likely continue at right-back with Mathieu Debuchy ruled out for some time.
CB – Per Mertesacker
The German centre-back will continue to be Arsenal’s rock at the back.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
With Chambers playing at right-back, there is little competition for the Frenchman at centre-half, despite his regular errors.
LB – Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs has had an effective start to the season at full back, winning back a place in the England squad. The Gunners defender has regularly played behind Ozil when the German has been deployed on the left, but will have a new partner ahead of him.
DM – Mikel Arteta / Mathieu Flamini
The deepest lying midfielder could change depending on the opposition, with Arteta’s classy passing and Flamini’s tough tackling both offering something. Unfortunately what Arsenal really lack is a player who can do both.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
The lively Welshman is hoping to be back after the international break, and will provide the midfield with some legs and late runs into the box.
CM – Jack Wilshere
Wilshere will help control the play when he lies deep, but could also break forward when Ramsey sits deep.
LW – Santi Cazorla
The Spaniard, who has been slightly unfairly treated by Wenger, and always seems to be dropped despite playing well, will finally get a run in the team with Ozil injured.
RW – Alexis Sanchez
The arrival of Sanchez as a big name signing has taken the pressure off Ozil somewhat, and the Chilean would be free to attack more with a third midfielder replacing Ozil in the team.
ST – Danny Welbeck
The former Manchester United striker has been in red hot form this season, and will hope that even without Ozil in the team providing assists he’s able to keep scoring.
Full team on next page!
