Unai Emery drops Mesut Ozil for Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Standard Liege

The 30-year-old was not even named as a substitute for Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

And Ozil’s exile continued on Thursday evening as he was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their match against the Belgian side at the Emirates Stadium.

Ozil trained with his teammates as usual on Wednesday and it is understood that the midfielder is not suffering from an injury and Emery’s decision is purely down to his selection preferences.

The move could now fuel speculation that Arsenal are looking to send Ozil out on loan in the January transfer window and are ready to subsidise his £350,000-a-week salary.

Ozil trained with his Arsenal teammates on Wednesday (PA Wire)

Following the 1-1 draw with United, Emery has made 10 changes to his side as Lucas Torreira is the only player to keep his place.

Kieran Tierney starts his second game for Arsenal at left-back, while Hector Bellerin plays on the opposite flank.

ARSENAL VS STANDARD LIEGE

ARSENAL XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Tierney; Torreira, Willock; Maitland-Niles, Ceballos, Nelson; Martinelli
SUBS: Leno, Chambers, Kolasinac, Guendouzi, Xhaka, Aubameyang, Pepe.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has played at right-back this season but the 22-year-old has been given a chance to impress in his preferred midfield role.

Gabriel Martinelli is expected to spearhead Arsenal’s attack with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang named as a substitute.