Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger explains why Mesut Ozil was dropped from starting XI against West Brom

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed why Germany international playmaker Mesut Ozil started Monday night’s game on the bench.

The Gunners recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Brom at the Emirates stadium last night.

Ozil started the game on the bench and only came on late in the second half after the Gunners netted their second goal.

Wenger told reporters after the game that Ozil was rested due to a knee problem. The 28-year-old missed Arsenal’s wins over FC Koln and Doncaster Rovers due to the same knee problem.

“He just came back from a knee problem. And he hasn’t practiced a lot in the last two weeks,” Wenger told the BBC.

“I didn’t know really how much he has lost on the fitness front.”

See More: “He will certainly have to defend more” – Arsenal boss fires warning shots at Mesut Ozil & Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal take on Belarus giants BATE Borisov in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Ozil could feature as he looks to regain full match fitness.

Ozil’s long-term future at the club is still cast in doubt. The 28-year-old has under ten months remaining on his contract with the Gunners.

The likes of Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ozil. To make matters worse he could end up leaving the club for free next summer.