Mesut Ozil Reportedly Ruled Out vs. Liverpool Due to Illness

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil will reportedly miss Saturday's showdown with Liverpool in the Premier League due to illness.

According to Chris Wheatley of Goal, the Germany international has not travelled to Merseyside with the rest of the Gunners squad for the match at Anfield. Wheatley added: "Ozil was sent home from training by the club doctor on Wednesday due to illness."

During his pre-match press conference, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger indicated Ozil would be fine, however, Wheatley reported the 28-year-old "has been advised to recover from his flu at home."

Ozil didn't feature in Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Sutton United recently, with his last appearance coming in the humiliating 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

At his best, the playmaker can be a crucial member of the Gunners team. His elegance and vision on the ball are unrivalled in the Premier League, with Arsenal's other attacking players routinely benefiting from his inventiveness.

However, there have been times this season, especially in huge matches like the one upcoming at Anfield, when Ozil's effectiveness has been questioned.

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Indeed, in those kinds of fixtures when Arsenal see less of the ball, the German offers little in terms of defensive contribution and work rate. And while Ozil's deficiencies are by no means the main issue for the Gunners in these clashes, they're a contributing factor.

Manager Arsene Wenger does have players aplenty who can step into the position behind the centre-forward. Aaron Ramsey has thrived in the role in the past, Alexis Sanchez could blossom as a split striker, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been used effectively in a central berth, too.

Nevertheless, Arsenal supporters will hope to see Ozil back in the frame again soon and making his mark on some key matches between now and the end of the campaign.