The German playmaker was unable to play any part in Arsenal's thrilling victory over Tottenham after picking up an untimely pre-game knock
Unai Emery has been unable to explain Mesut Ozil’s absence from Arsenal’s north London derby plans, with the midfielder stunning his club colleagues with “back ache”.
The German playmaker was expected to figure for the Gunners as they welcomed arch-rivals Tottenham to Emirates Stadium.
He was, however, a surprise omission from the matchday squad, with it later emerging that he had picked up an untimely knock.
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That news came as a shock to Emery, with the Spaniard admitting that he had no knowledge of the World Cup winner struggling with an injury prior to derby day.