Mesut Ozil ruled out of Arsenal's game at Stoke with minor foot issue

A minor foot injury caused Mesut Ozil's absence from the Arsenal side to face Stoke City on Sunday.

The German midfielder, who is on course to break the Premier League record for assists in a season, did not train on Saturday and was not part of the squad that travelled to the Potteries.

Manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports: "He has a foot problem. Inflammation in his foot.

"But it's a short term problem and I would expect him to be back next week."

Ozil has been bothered by the injury for some time, although not enough to stop him playing, and Arsenal do not expect him to be absent for long.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came into Arsene Wenger's starting XI at the Britannia Stadium as the only change to the side which started the 3-3 draw at Liverpool on Wednesday.

There was also a place on the bench for new signing Mohamed Elneny, who completed his move from FC Basel on Thursday.

But Alexis Sanchez did not make the Gunners squad after Wenger hinted the Chile international was close to a return from his hamstring injury.

The absent Ozil tweeted a picture of himself in front of the TV during the first half and wrote:"Watching the match vs. Stoke!

"Hopefully I'll be back well for the next match. But for now: COME ON YOU GUNNERS."

Arsenal return home for their next Premier League clash on January 24, when Chelsea visit for a mouth-watering London derby, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.