Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger does not trust Mesut Ozil - Martin Keown

MARTIN KEOWN doesn’t think Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger trusts Mesut Ozil.

The German’s future remains uncertain in north London with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Alexis Sanchez is in the same situation as his team-mate but Wenger has embraced his return from the injury he suffered at the start of the campaign.

While the Chilean is back in the starting XI and put in an impressive display against West Brom on Monday night, Mesut Ozil has barely featured.

He was dropped to the bench in their 2-0 victory over the Baggies, managing just seven minutes when he replaced Sanchez in the final moments.

And former Gunner Keown believes Wenger has lost trust in Ozil after failing to deliver in big games on numerous occasions.

Mesut Ozil ArsenalGETTY

Mesut Ozil's Arsenal contract runs out at the end of the season

“I think he loves playing football, Sanchez, I don’t see there’s an issue with him,” Keown said on BBC Radio 5 Live before the match.

“Ozil of the two players, are they going to sign, aren’t they, is the one I wouldn’t trust as much mentally, and I believe he’s not playing tonight because the gaffer really can’t trust him anymore.

“I think it’s a huge story that Ozil doesn’t play tonight. 

“If you look at their pre-seasons, Ozil wasn’t in the German squad in the summer, he came back on the very first day of pre-season, and didn’t then start the season, there was a bit of suspicion around him.

Arsene WengerGETTY

Martin Keown doesn't think Arsene Wenger trusts Mesut Ozil

“Last year he went missing for a couple of months and I think that’s his tactic in terms of getting away from the football club. 

“I don’t know – but I have a feeling that he’s going to take his reliability away from selection.”

Arsene Wenger could make changes to his team selection tomorrow evening when Arsenal take on BATE Borisov in the Europa League (6pm).

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