Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Arsenal squad for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners will be looking to boost their hopes of a top-four finish when they face the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium on the first night of the return of England's top flight.
However, Ozil has not even made the squad despite the fact that teams are now allowed to select nine substitutes and use five players off the bench under the revised rules.
According to The Times journalist Henry Winter, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the 31-year-old is not injured and his absence will be explained after the match.
Ozil has only scored once and provided just three assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term.
The German had previously started every league match under Arteta's management, though, and has not been left out altogether for the capital club since December 21.
Matt Law
