Arteta names two Arsenal players who need to start performing really well in training

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested to the Daily Express that Mesut Ozil and Sokratis could force their way back into his side if they can impress in training.

The Arsenal duo could both be left out of the Gunners’ Premier League squad, which means they will be unavailable to use at all until the new year.

Ozil and Sokratis have also not been named in Arsenal’s Europa League squad.

But Arteta insists that if they can catch his eye in training then they could still come back into contention at the Emirates Stadium.

“I wanted to tell them face to face before releasing the squad,” Arteta said.

“I explained the reasons why and the numbers we had. It was really difficult for me to tell them – but this is the restriction and rules.

“They have to respect that decision and try to train the best possible way, help the team when they can. Then we will see what happens in December.”

Despite Arteta’s encouraging words it is expected that Ozil and Sokratis will inevitably both leave Arsenal at some point in the near future.

Arsenal have been trying to find a buyer for Ozil for a long time now, but his exorbitant wages have put potential suitors off.

Sokratis, meanwhile, also was up for grabs over the summer – but a move never materialised for the central defender.