Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London derby but will be without star player Mesut Ozil who is out with a back spasm.
The Gunners confirmed the playmaker of Turkish origin is out with a back problem via Twitter and head coach Unai Emery also confirmed reports in his pre-match to Sky Sports.
Ozil has now missed five games this year with back problems so it was bound to get fans talking.
We took a look at how Arsenal fans reacted to the injury news on social media.
See More: Arsenal Reveal Why Mesut Ozil Has Been Dropped Against Tottenham Ahead Of North London Derby
Arsenal fans gave a mixed response to news that Ozil will not feature in the derby clash. To be fair there was quite a lot of conspiracies and rumors floating around.
Özil and Back Spasm.. pic.twitter.com/PWhzZ7teRD
— Alonge Olaide (@IconWigan) December 2, 2018
I’m actually tired of hearing this
— Tolu_James (@tjames_Debayo) December 2, 2018
Emry giving Ozil back spasms.
— Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) December 2, 2018
Whatever the reason behind today’s Mesut Ozil absence – and he may well be injured – it’s fair to say that Arsenal are not getting anywhere near value for money from him since he signed that new contract.
— arseblog (@arseblog) December 2, 2018
No Ozil? Mkhi still starting? Lacazette on the bench? ?? pic.twitter.com/hAB5GXHnQp
— Jigga ? (@__JD19) December 2, 2018
Ozil when the club needs him most: pic.twitter.com/9XQR8yVwud
— BIG BEN (@merengue4) December 2, 2018
Ozil not starting ? pic.twitter.com/NFB65KLQ9z
— dyakugan (@moshiruuu) December 2, 2018
Ozil when he found out he had to wear the rainbow armband pic.twitter.com/cx9vrYzNP6
— gena (@gentijan_a) December 2, 2018
No Ozil, Lacazette on the bench and Mkhitaryan starts. pic.twitter.com/gZL3KRIJfy
— Mutinda? (@brianmutinda_) December 2, 2018
No Ozil in the team got me feeling like ??♂️ #NLD pic.twitter.com/QlKN5KfvxF
— Nnaemeka Ezugwu (@NnaemekaEzugwu) December 2, 2018
Common sense prevails. If Ozil is injured it makes sense for him to be rested. Perhaps some fans are just looking too much into it.
Ozil has a back spasm. If he isn’t 100% the correct decision is not to play him. I dont see the issue. Why risk a player who isn’t 100%.
— M (@Durchiga) December 2, 2018
Coz the twitter arsenal managers know best memz !!
— Wickins (@Ballistix99) December 2, 2018
Memz always knows. Back spasms are unpredictable ozil played with a bad back vs athletico Madrid last year
— Umaan dariq (@LACATARIQ3) December 2, 2018
Wishing Ozil a speedy recovery. Hope he gets fit, reenergized and ready to tear Man United apart on Wednesday. ??
— Sensible Arsenal (@ArsenalSensible) December 2, 2018