Team News: Mesut Ozil dropped from Arsenal team for Sunderland clash

Arsene Wenger has decided to drop record signing Mesut Ozil for the match against Sunderland this afternoon.

The German midfielder missed a penalty in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, but speaking to Sky Sports News, manager Wenger said that he has a thigh injury.

Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud is back, while Lukas Podolski also returns. Nacho Monreal replaces the injured Kieran Gibbs at left-back.

Sunderland have Santiago Vergini at centre-back, while Jozy Altidore is a lone striker.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Arteta, Rosicky; Wilshere, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud

Sunderland: Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Vergini, Alonso; Johnson, Bridcutt, Ki, Colback, Borini; Altidore

You can follow live commentary of the match by clicking here.