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Arsenal team news: Mesut Ozil dropped again but Laurent Koscielny recovers from midweek injury scare

The Gunners take on Southampton at the Emirates knowing a win could take them back into the top four if Manchester United drop points at home to Liverpool today

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MESUT OZIL has been dropped again for Arsenal's game at home to Southampton today.

The German starred in Thursday's Europa League win over BATE Borisov to reach the last 16 of the competition.

 Mesut Ozil has been dropped again for today's clash with Southampton
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Mesut Ozil has been dropped again for today's clash with SouthamptonCredit: Getty - Contributor

But his performance was clearly not good enough to win his place back in the starting line-up against the Saints.

Ozil has not started in the Premier League since the home win over Cardiff last month.

And the 30-year-old only returned to action last week after missing three games due to illness and injury.

However, boss Unai Emery has been boosted by Laurent Koscielny who is available, but on the bench after recovering from his midweek injury scare.

 Skipper Laurent Koscielny has recovered from his midweek calf injury
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Skipper Laurent Koscielny has recovered from his midweek calf injuryCredit: PA:Press Association

The French defender lasted 55 minutes on Thursday after limping off with a calf problem.

But Emery, with the midweek home game against Bournemouth in mind is keeping his skipper in reserve unless there is an emergency.

The Gunners boss has rung the changes with Juventus bound Aaron Ramsey handed the skipper's armband in Koscielny's absence, with Bernd Leno is recalled in goal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has to settle for a place on the bench.

A win today could see the Gunners go back into the top four if Manchester United drop points at home to Liverpool today.

 

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