Arsenal team news: Resting sick Mesut Ozil was 'easy decision' for Arsene Wenger as midfielder is still in bed

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James Benge3 January 2017

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Mesut Ozil’s recovery from illness is far from ideal with the playmaker having been away from the squad for a week.

As Standard Sport reported yesterday Ozil missed the trip to Bournemouth as he continues to struggle with the flu-like illness that ruled him out of the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.

It may be some time before Ozil is available with Wenger effectively ruling him out of Saturday’s FA Cup Third Round trip to Preston, a game he would have been unlikely to have featured in anyway.

“I haven't seen him for a week,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “It was an easy decision [to leave him in London].

“He is still in bed.

"He's not available and I don't think he will be available for the next game as he hasn't done anything for a week.”

Alex Iwobi will take Ozil’s place as the number 10 just as he did against Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.

You can follow the match live with Standard Sport.
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