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Unai Emery has challenged Mesut Ozil to return to the Arsenal first-team by claiming his future is in his own hands.
The Gunners playmaker who takes home £350,000-a-week has started just one game in 2019.
Ozil has been a regular absentee from the squad throughout the season, with various reasoning attached. The German has concerningly missed nine games through illness since the start of last season – so the club say.
Arsenal are attempting to overhaul a 1-0 Europa League deficit to BATE Borisov on Thursday night and supporters have been calling for Ozil to return to the side.
Emery says the midfielder is in contention for the second-leg.
“First, the key in his hands,” said the Gunners boss.
Could Ozil be on the way out this summer?
“He’s working very well this week and I asked him in our conversation to be consistent, to be available for training. I said that when you can train with us consistently you can help us with your best performance in the games.
“I think this week was good for all the players because we are in a big, important moment for the season. I am looking at him doing the training like we want. I know he wants that but he needs consistency, to be available for training and the matches without injuries, without being sick. Like that, I think we can see the best Mesut.”
Ozil has played 216 times for Arsenal since joining from Real Madrid for a then club-record £42m in 2013.
