Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mesut Ozil was ruled out of the Premier League clash against Chelsea through injury.
The Germany international was not named in Arsenal’s match-day squad at Stamford Bridge but Wenger failed to go into detail as to why he was missing.
The French boss did, however, suggest Alexis Sanchez was close to starting a league game for the first time this season despite dropping to the bench against Chelsea.
‘Mesut Ozil is injured, [Alexis] Sanchez is close to his best,’ Wenger told Sky Sports ahead of the clash.
‘He played in midweek and I think he’s very close now to starting a [Premier League] game.’
Referring to Arsenal’s poor recent record against top six teams, Wenger added: ‘Every game is an opportunity to change the history. We have an opportunity to change that today.’
Antonio Conte, meanwhile, said Eden Hazard was close to starting a league game following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
The Blues boss said: ‘When you have to play seven games in 21 days it’s not a problem to prepare. You have to make the best decision game by game. Eden is very close, I think he’s improving very well.’
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