Friday 13 January 2017 19:18, UK
Mesut Ozil will return to the Arsenal squad for Saturday’s game with Swansea, boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
The Germany international has missed the last three games because of flu.
Laurent Koscielny, fresh from signing a new contract this week, also returns along with Petr Cech and Alexis Sanchez – they all missed last week’s FA Cup win at Preston.
Full-back Hector Bellerin is still out along with midfielder Francis Coquelin and winger Theo Walcott, who needs another two weeks before he can be considered.
"Walcott was out for three-and-a-half weeks. He will not be available for Burnley," confirmed Wenger.
"He was not comfortable when he started to train, but I am not concerned. I think two weeks."
Last week Ozil told German magazine Kicker he wants to know whether Wenger will still be at the helm if he is to agree new terms.
Ozil, as well as Sanchez, both have 18 months left on their deals and are reportedly seeking parity with the Premier League's top earners if they are to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond 2018.
But Ozil's comments suggest it is more than just money that will shape his decision.
"The club know that I'm here above all because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust in me I enjoy," he said.
"The club also know that I want to have clarity about what the manager is doing."
Wenger was unconvinced and feels there are many aspects that will guide Ozil's decision.
Asked if he had been put under pressure to decide his own future following the quotes, the Frenchman replied: "No, not necessarily.
"He would like to know what happens on the managerial front of course, but I don't think that's the main part of his decision.
"I think it's part of it, but it's not the only thing. There are many other ingredients in every negotiation. Hopefully we will find a conclusion with him very quickly."
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