Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has returned home early after international duty with Germany, but there are contrasting theories as to why. After drawing with Spain, Germany are set to face Brazil in their final friendly of the international break, but the 29-year-old won’t be with them.
The Express hint at a potential injury but have no information supporting the argument and even say in the piece ‘It is not known whether Ozil picked up an injury’. The Mirror are unsure too, admitting in their piece: ‘It is not thought Ozil is injured.’
Mesut Ozil will miss the friendly vs Brazil on Tuesday. The German midfielder played 90 mins in a 1-1 draw with Spain last night but is expected to return to his club early. There is no indication that his omission is injury-related or due to a prior agreement. #AFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) March 24, 2018
The reason could be down to Germany manager Joachim Low. Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller will also miss the Brazil clash without a specific reason attached, so it may be squad rotation.
Low’s comments this week say as much, with the Germany boss admitting: “I am not planning to play the same players in both matches. I want to try things out.”
It is unorthodox to send players home in the middle of an international break if they don’t have an injury problem, however, and the media haven’t found out the underlying reason either.
Arsenal will be hoping there are no issues with Ozil, as Jack Wilshere is a doubt for the Gunners’ upcoming Premier League meeting with Stoke City.
