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Mesut Ozil: Did Arsenal ace expect to start against Man Utd? Instagram story suggests yes
MESUT OZIL has once again found himself omitted from Arsenal’s starting XI.
The former Germany international hasn’t started a game for the north Londoners since Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Burnley in mid-December.
Injuries have partly been to blame for the 30-year-old’s absence, but he has also been dropped by Gunners boss Unai Emery.
Ozil was left out of the matchday squad for Arsenal’s trip to West Ham earlier this month and was an unused substitute in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.
Many were expecting Emery to restore the World Cup winner to the starting XI for the visit of Manchester United.
However, the former Real Madrid man has had to settle for a place on the bench, which has cast further doubt over his future at the Emirates.
But judging from Ozil’s Instagram story, it looked like he expected to start tonight’s FA Cup fourth round clash.
Earlier today, the German posted a graphic of himself advertising this evening’s match to his story, which hints he was optimistic of returning to the fold.
With every match that Emery leaves Ozil on the sidelines, speculation surrounding his future with the Gunners further intensifies.
Mesut signed a new contract last January, because he saw his future at Arsenal, and nothing has changed in his mind
Late last year, it was reported that the midfielder is unhappy with his current situation and keen to leave the club.
That notion was swiftly dismissed by his agent Dr Erkut Sogut, who insisted his client has no intention of leaving north London in the near future.
“I would prefer not to speak publicly about Mesut's situation but, given the recent speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal, I do feel it is important to provide some clarity, so we can end this and focus on football,” Sogut told Goal.
"Mesut signed a new contract last January, because he saw his future at Arsenal, and nothing has changed in his mind.
"He wants to stay for the duration of that contract and maybe even longer.
“Mesut is 100 per cent committed to Arsenal Football Club. He loves the club, shares its values and does not want to be anywhere else.
"He is proud to wear the shirt and honoured to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch.
“He takes his responsibilities - including being selected as one of the captains this season - very seriously and has a great relationship with his team-mates, the staff and fans."