Arsenal vs Tottenham: Mesut Ozil left out of the squad for ‘tactical reasons’ by Unai Emery

The 30-year-old is neither ill nor injured

Mesut Ozil has been left out of Arsenal’s 18-man squad to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.

When asked about the reason behind the £350,000 playmaker’s absence Unai Emery offered no explanation of illness or injury, but simply stated that it was “a tactical decision”.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Joe Willock appeared on the bench.

Ozil returned from a back injury as a substitute in Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat at Southampton last weekend, and played the majority of the club’s dead rubber Europa League tie with FC Qarabag on Thursday. However, the Gunners boss has insinuated that the German may not have the necessary fight to conform to his style.

The 30-year-old was in attendance at the Emirates and was seen laughing with members of the coaching staff before kick-off.

Follow all the latest action from the Emirates here.