Arsenal team news: Mesut Ozil on bench as Mikel Arteta’s side look to bounce back against relegation battlers Brighton
MESUT OZIL is back in the Arsenal fold today after being dropped for the 3-0 hammering against Manchester City.
The German playmaker has been named on the bench for a crucial clash against Brighton as Mikel Arteta looks to bounce back.
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The Spaniard has also sought to freshen up his attack, by restoring the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette, in place of Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock.
The expensive duo will be joined in upfront by skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and impressive teen Bukayo Saka.
Dani Ceballos replaces the injured Granit Xhaka in the midfield engine room, and partners Matteo Guendouzi.
With Pablo Mari also stricken and David Luiz suspended, Rob Holding gets a chance alongside Shkodran Mustafi at the heart of the Gunners' backline, while Sead Kolasinac replaces Kieran Tierney at left-back.
As expected, Bernd Leno is between the sticks.
On his most high-profile bench-dweller, Gunners chief Arteta urged Ozil to prove he deserves to wear the Arsenal shirt after leaving him of the squad to face the Citizens.
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He said: “I have been very open with Mesut from day one and since I joined the club.
"I thought he was fit, willing and wanted to perform at the level he can.
“The moment I see he’s ready to do that again I will treat him like anybody else.
“I am the first one that wants Mesut at his best and I am going to put him on the pitch when I think he can give me that.”
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Joining the 31-year-old on the bench is impressive young forward Gabriel Martinelli, as well as the rotated Nketiah.
A victory for Arsenal over a Brighton side without a win in 2020 would see them overtake rivals Spurs after Jose Mourinho's side failed to see out their lead against Manchester United last night.
That result could also see the Gunners potentially go within just three points of the Red Devils in fifth-place - which will likely boast a Champions League spot come the end of the season.