Arsenal have given Mesut Ozil time off in a bid to cure an ongoing back problem the Germany international has been struggling with.
The Times reports that the 28-year-old was left out of Monday’s trip to Sutton United in the FA Cup after suffering back spasms and has travelled to Germany to spend time with his family.
Ozil has reportedly been playing through the pain barrier recently which could explain his recent dip in form that has seen him come in for criticism and also led to calls he should be dropped.
The German is without a goal since scoring in the 3-1 win over Stoke back at the start of December and has managed just two assists in his last 10 games.
Arsenal do now have time to rest their players with the Gunners not in action until next weekend when they face a tricky trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
Ozil is expected to be fit for the clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men with Arsenal out for revenge against a side that beat them 4-3 at the Emirates on the opening day of the season.
Injuries are becoming a big factor in the club’s run-in yet again with Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny all currently sidelined while Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi picked up knocks against Sutton.
Koscielny, Iwobi and Elneny should all be fit to face Liverpool and Arsenal will need to be at full-strength against the Reds who returned to form with a 2-0 win over Tottenham last time out.