Arsenal explain why Mesut Özil is missing from the squad to face West Ham

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Arsenal have confirmed midfielder Mesut Ozil is missing from their squad to face West Ham United on Sunday due to illness.

The German midfielder was a surprise omission from Arsene Wenger’s matchday 18 ahead of the game at the Emirates, as the Frenchman’s time at the club draws near to its close. 

Some may have speculated Ozil was purely being rested ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

But now, the Gunners have confirmed, via their Twitter account, that Ozil is absent due to suffering with an illness.

It is yet unclear, however, whether Ozil’s illness will cause him to miss the game against Atletico – though the Gunners will be hoping their key creator can shake it off in time.

Arsenal are also without Petr Cech (hip), Sead Kolasinac and Jack Wilshere (ankle) for the welcoming of West Ham, as the Gunners look to put the pressure on Chelsea in the race for fifth.

West Ham, on the other hand, are fighting for Premier League safety and know a win at the Emirates could all-but secure their top-flight status for another season.

Wenger is taking charge of his first game since announcing he will be leaving Arsenal after 22 years at the end of the current campaign.

The Arsenal faithful had recently become disgruntled with their manager for the club’s stagnation over the past few seasons, but the Emirates is expected to rise out of respect for Wenger now that his future is clear.