Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirms Mesut Ozil will start Europa League tie

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mesut Ozil will start against Ostersunds FK in the Europa League on Thursday.

On paper, the Gunners head into the last-32 first leg in Sweden as favourites, which could represent an opportunity to rest some big-name stars.

However, Wenger has decided to include Ozil in the first XI since the team will not be playing over the weekend as they are no longer in the FA Cup.

During his pre-match press conference, the Frenchman told reporters: "He will play tomorrow. We want to do well in this competition. We played on Saturday, we play tomorrow night.

"Over the weekend we have no game. So we have one week without competition. It's important our players keep at the competitive level."

Arsenal will be without the injured Alexandre Lacazette and cup-tied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the encounter.