Arsene Wenger admitted he is unsure of Mesut Ozil's status for Arsenal's upcoming Bournemouth game after his team saw off Crystal Palace on New Year's Day at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal hardly missed Ozil, usually a vital component of the team, as struggling Palace was brushed aside via goals from Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi, who deputized for the German in midfield.
Wenger revealed before the game that he had not seen Ozil for three days as the 28-year-old had been bedridden with flu.
Iwobi, praised by Wenger after the game, may have to perform a similar role on the English south coast on Tuesday, after the Arsenal manager revealed Ozil is still ill.
"I don't know," Wenger said, when asked if Ozil would make the trip to Bournemouth. "They [club doctors] told me today he is a bit better. He is in bed. Will he be available for selection? We will have to wait for tomorrow."
Following two defeats in its past three games, to Everton and Manchester City, Arsenal has a chance to climb within six points of Premier League leader Chelsea with victory over Bournemouth. Antonio Conte's side faces the biggest test so far of its 13-match unbeaten run when it plays Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Sportswriter at Newsweek.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
