The German attacking midfielder was not in the Arsenal team that lost 3-0 to City away from home at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
Artate has explained why the former Real Madrid star was not in his team, and he has added that there were no problems from the 31-year-old regarding his omission.
Arteta told Football.London about Ozil: “A lot has happened to him in the last few weeks and I have to respect the timing of every player that needs sometimes a little bit of time.
“It’s been difficult preparation in the last two months to get players ready and again, I’m the first one that wants Mesut at his best and I will put him in the pitch when I think he can give his best.”
The Spaniard added: “My conversations with Mesut remain between me and him, what I can tell you is that there were completely fine, honest and clear conversations, that’s it.”
When asked how Ozil reacted to his omission, Arteta said that the attacking midfielder “very well with me” and that “there were no issues at all”, as quoted in Football.London.
Stats
According to WhoScored, Ozil has scored one goal and provided two assists in 18 Premier League games for Arsenal so far this season.
The attacking midfielder has also played 151 minutes in the Europa League, once in the FA Cup and twice in the EFL Cup for the North London outfit this campaign, according to WhoScored.
Important player
Ozil has not been in great form for Arsenal this season, but the former Madrid star remains an important player for the Gunners.
With the North London outfit still in the race for the Champions League places, the 31-year-old could still prove to be crucial for Arteta this season.
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