Arsene Wenger replies when asked if Mesut Ozil will start for Arsenal v Man City

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mesut Ozil is in contention to start for Arsenal in their crunch clash against Manchester City at The Emirates on Sunday.

The Germany international has struggled for fitness in recent weeks and has been in and out of the Gunners side during their slump in form.

However, Ozil featured for Germany during the international break and Wenger is hopeful that the playmaker will be ready to feature for the Gunners against the Citizens on Sunday afternoon at The Emirates.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference at London Colney on Thursday, Wenger said: “He is in contention to start the game.

“He played 20 minutes for Germany in Azerbaijan and he came back focused and worked very hard this week.”

Ozil has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers since arriving at the club from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

The 28-year-old is currently believed to be in negotiations with the north London club about extending his contract beyond the summer of 2018.

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Ozil has scored five goals and made four assists in 22 Premier League games for Arsenal so far this season as they gear up for Sunday’s showdown at The Emirates.