Mesut Ozil has been left off the team sheet against Atletico Madrid in the opening International Champions Cup clash today in Singapore.

Arsenal have revealed the reason behind the decision not to include the playmaker of Turkish origin in the squad.

The 29-year-old returned from his post World Cup holiday to start his pre-season early.

The Gunners revealed on their official Twitter account that Ozil, Alex Iwobi and Mohamed Elneny will not feature as they are ‘still in the early stages of their pre-season training’.

See More: German When He Wins, Immigrant When He Loses – Why Arsenal Star Mesut Ozil Retired From International Football & What Lessons Need To Be Learnt

 ❌ We won’t see @ElNennY, @MesutOzil1088 or @alexiwobi on the pitch tonight – the trio are still in the early stages of their pre-season training@emimartinezz1 is also not included on the bench this time out#ICC2018 pic.twitter.com/Rqnff03cpc

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 26, 2018

Arsenal will take on PSG next on Saturday 28 July following by Chelsea on 1 August.

Ozil is expected to feature in the next two games and is likely to be match fit in time for the start of the Premier League season.