Emery claims Arsenal outcast Ozil could be made CAPTAIN for Liverpool clash after holding showdown talks with German

ARSENAL boss Unai Emery has incredibly hinted he could name Mesut Ozil as CAPTAIN for the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.

And the Gunners boss also revealed he has held showdown talks with the out-of-favour German.

The Gunners get the chance to bounce back from their Crystal Palace nightmare when they take on Jurgen Klopp's side in their round of 16 clash.

With captain Granit Xhaka dropped from the squad just days after his X-rated outburst at Arsenal fans, Ozil could complete a remarkable turnaround.

The retired German international has featured in just TWO games so far this season - one in the Prem and one in the Carabao Cup third round against Nottingham Forest.

He was even accused of not putting in enough "effort" by director of football Raul Sanllehi.

But at a press conference, Emery revealed he had held talks with out-of-favour midfielder Ozil.

OZIL READY TO HELP

In a press conference, Emery said: "That conversation this morning was because I wanted to listen about how he was thinking now to help us tomorrow.

"It was a very good conversation. Tomorrow he is in the group.

“We need his quality, his skill. We need his consistency. We need his positive mentality. Then we need him to help us on the pitch.

“I want now like in the pre-season, like a month ago, for him to help us on the pitch.”

The gaffer was then asked, with Xhaka not part of the party, whether Ozil could get the armband.

The Spaniard replied: "It depends. He could be yes.”

XHAKA MISSES OUT

While things are looking a bit more positive for Ozil, the same can't be said for his fellow midfielder Xhaka.

Xhaka, 27, told fuming Arsenal fans to "f*** off" as he was subbed off in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Asked about keeping Xhaka on as captain, Emery, who confirmed it was always part of his plan to drop the Swiss midfielder, said: "First we recover him as a human.

"It is not easy for him and for the team. He is now devastated, sad. We spoke yesterday and Sunday night and this morning.

"He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about the situation.

"His commitment is great every time. He wants to help. His behaviour was perfect in training, with the group and club.

"He knows he was wrong and he feels inside, very deep.

"It's normal as a human. Every player needs the supporters' support."

Xhaka is among a quartet of stars including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers and David Luiz who will not travel to Liverpool.

Arsenal have launched a disciplinary inquiry into Xhaka’s antics but any plans to strip him of the armband - given to him after a squad poll - could lead to a dressing-room revolt.