Don Hutchison has suggested on BBC Sport (22:48) that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may not include Mesut Ozil in his squad at all this season.
The former Liverpool and West Ham United midfielder – who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport – has praised the German attacking midfielder, but he believes that the ex-Real Madrid star may not feature in the current team.
Hutchison has suggested that Ozil being back could upset the rhythm in the dressing room, and that the 31-year-old may not play for the Gunners again, with his current contract due to run out at the end of the season.
Hutchison said about Ozil on BBC Sport (22:48): “Arsenal fans are resigned to thinking it’s pointless bringing Mesut Ozil back because they have got a fantastic group of youngsters and characters that are really going to be exceptional players – and I mean this with the utmost respect to Ozil because he’s had an unbelievable career – but he might not be the best player to come back into the dressing room and potentially upset the rhythm that Mikel Arteta is building.
“The youngsters especially want to be learning from Arteta and the senior pros, so Ozil might be one that he keeps him away from the dressing room so that in seven or months time, he can leave on a free.”
What to do with Mesut Ozil?
Ozil has not had the best of times at Arsenal in recent years, and the former Madrid star has yet to play in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal are doing well without the attacking midfielder at the moment, and a case can be made that the Gunners do not need him.
However, there is no doubt regarding the quality and calibre of Ozil, whose vision and creativity is superb.
The North London outfit could have need for Ozil in the coming weeks and months, especially as they will need all of their players to chip in, with the team aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table and also playing in the Europa League.
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