Mesut Ozil ‘pulled a sickie’ after being told by Arsenal boss Unai Emery he would be playing in a different position
It is the seventh time the now retired-international has had illness causing him to miss matches
MESUT OZIL threw a sickie after Unai Emery revealed he would play his Arsenal star in a different role against West Ham.
The German was hauled into the boss’ office on Thursday to discuss a new role after the stroppy playmaker was subbed in the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea.
The £350,000-a-week Gunner claimed he was too ill to train on Friday and made himself unavailable on Saturday.
Emery revealed: “I spoke with him about things tactically for this match and the last match. And he said he was sick.
“On Friday, after my conversation on Thursday, he continued to stay off sick. We spoke with the doctor and decided it was better for him to stay at home. If he felt better on Saturday, he should come.”
Despite his mystery illness, Ozil reported on matchday and spent time with the players.
Emery added: “My English is not good but I prefer that, if he feels good, he stays with us here and not at home.”
It is the seventh time has had illness causing him to miss matches.
Speaking more on the incident, Emery added: "Yeah he was ill and yesterday we decided with the doctor and with him that he would not play.
"Today he is here and with the team also because he feels better today but he is not here now because he was sick yesterday."