Arsenal: Mesut Ozil debacle never needed to happen

There is supposed upheaval in the Arsenal world as Mesut Ozil has been ruled out of the Europa League second leg. Why is this even happening?

I was doing my usual combing through the Arsenal headlines when I came across accusations that Mesut Ozil lied to Arsene Wenger. I understand the peril of clickbait good and well, but that deserved a click, no?

Of course, the situation was blown wildly out of proportion. Arsene Wenger has ruled Ozil out from the second leg against Ostersunds, despite Ozil posting a picture of himself looking fit as a fiddle in Turkey.

Wenger’s logic was that Ozil was sick and bed-ridden Monday and Tuesday, and therefore he shouldn’t be risked. Which seems counter-intuitive when considering the social media posts.

The point of all of this is – why did this even need to happen? I love that Wenger defends his players. I love that Wenger flew to the defense of Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang when his attidue was questioned and I love that he jumped to the defense of Alexandre Lacazette after the injury, saying this is why he has been out of sorts.

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That is part of what makes Wenger so special. he stands up for his players no matter what. Even making up excuses for them when they can’t play. He never blames them.

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But this whole situation just looks stupid. Why he would even consider playing Ozil on Thursday in the first place when Manchester City is lurking on Sunday is daft as can be. All he should have had to say is ‘Ozil won’t be playing. He is being saved for Sunday.’

Bam, problem solved.

In terms of consequences, it’s not a huge deal. The only thing I worry about is this potentially undermining all the other times Wenger will have to deploy similar excuses. Not to mention all the times that he has had to cover for Ozil and claim that a phantom sickness has claimed him and eliminated the chance of him being used in any particular game.

This has happened a handful of times this year, namely the time he mysteriously left the hotel the morning of the match against Burnley at Turf Moor.

I’m no conspiracy theorists, but seemingly silly situations like this cast a shadow of doubt over legitimately concerning situations like against Burnley.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Ostersunds FK

Anyway, here’s to hoping Wenger won’t use any important players against Ostersunds FK. If you can’t hold a three goal lead at home against a Swedish team with just your rotational squad, then you really need to consider a new rotational squad.