Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners are coming off of a 3-1 win over BATE Borisov in their Europa League last-32 second leg match. Manager Unai Emery raised hopes Mesut Ozil could be brought back in from the cold as the German started the match and played all 90 minutes.
Supporters are questioning whether Emery will include Ozil for Sunday’s match. Arsenal are in fifth place and just one point back from the top four. A win over Southampton and a loss or draw for Manchester United against Liverpool, and the Gunners would leapfrog their top four rivals.
Arsenal vs. Southampton: Will Mesut Ozil get the start for Unai Emery’s Gunners?
Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny is a major doubt following a leg injury against BATE. An Achille’s injury is expected to sideline him further.
Emery will have Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi available to partner in central defence.
Arsenal are still without key players Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin, and Konstantinos Mavropanos due to long-term injuries.
Ozil could return to the Arsenal XI after his strong performance on Thursday night. Reports during the game suggest that Emery will select Ozil if the player can stay fit.
On Friday, it was reported that Ozil’s new contract, signed in the spring of 2018, has already cost Arsenal £19 million. Ozil’s contract will see him receive £62m by the time it expires.
The midfielder’s salary are production in the team has been called into question. Ozil has just three goals and one assist in 14 games this term. He is on pace to register his fewest assists in a Premier League season.
Southampton injury news
Southampton are expected to have Stuart Armstrong, Mario Lemina, and Michael Obafemi fit. Lemina and Obafemi have been sidelined since December.
The Saints are 18th in the Premier League, one point from safety.
