Mesut Ozil Illness: Updates on Arsenal Star's Status and Return

Arsenal were without one of their most important players during their win over Newcastle on March 21, a match Mesut Ozil missed through illness.

However, Ozil returned to start against Liverpool on April 4.

Continue for updates. 

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Oil Starts vs. Liverpool

Saturday, April 4

Ozil will start against Liverpool according to Arsenal's official Twitter feed. 

On March 24, Germany boss Joachim Low confirmed Ozil was given permission by Wenger to fly to Berlin after Arsenal's win over John Carver's side. Low spoke about the situation during a news conference on Tuesday, per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC:

"

It's anyone's guess whether he was partying or not.

He has told me that he was in Berlin. I spoke to him and he said that he was weakened by a cold during last week and so Arsene Wenger and Ozil together took the decision to not play him at the weekend. After the match, he was allowed to fly to Berlin.

"

Daily Telegraph writer Jeremy Wilson believes Ozil won't be punished by Arsenal: "At this stage, there is no suggestion that there would be any disciplinary action although Ozil is likely to be reminded of his responsibilities and the perception that the story could create."

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Wenger to Hold 'Crunch Talks' with Ozil

Tuesday, March 24

Previously, it was reported Wenger is allegedly set to hold "crunch talks" with Ozil once the player's duty with Germany is complete, reported by Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star.

Malata indicates Wenger is "furious" the player didn't opt to rest in order to recover from the illness which kept him out of the Magpies win.

This alleged incident follows on from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny being caught smoking in the shower and midfielder Jack Wilshere holding a shisha pipe during a London night out, summarised by Malata.

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Ozil 'Spotted Partying' After Missing Newcastle Match with Illness

Monday, March 23

Jacob Murtagh of the Mirror reported the story which could find Ozil in trouble:

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Arsenal star Mesut Ozil was spotted partying with friends—just hours after missing Saturday’s 2-1 win at Newcastle United due to illness.

The midfielder, 26, was omitted from Arsene Wenger’s squad for the trip to St James’ Park as Olivier Giroud’s double earned them the points.

However, Ozil was seen out at The Pearl nightclub in Berlin the same evening.

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On Saturday, Arsenal's official Twitter feed provided the news on Ozil's condition:

Ozil has been a key part of Arsenal's attack since coming over from Real Madrid on a transfer before the 2013-14 season. 

Unfortunately, this ailment could slow down the midfielder's production and likely cause problems for the entire club. After an inconsistent run of form, Ozil had found his touch again in recent weeks, displaying the sublime passing ability that made him such a valuable addition to the Gunners. 

There is certainly depth in the midfield with Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and others. However, Ozil is a catalyst of the offense, and his passing ability in the middle of the pitch will certainly be missed.

It seems he will take part in Germany's friendly against Australia on Wednesday, however, so should be available for Wenger upon his return.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.