Knee injury sidelines Ozil

Mesut Ozil looked to be in a reflective mood on Friday night as Arsenal prepared for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Germany playmaker joins a growing list of crocked players on the Colney treatment table. And I think that this year we trust ourselves to improve [the place in the standings] a bit this season.

He came off in the second half of that game due to a knock but his national teammate Ozil believes that time will prove just how good Schweinstieger can be for United. “I think that’s one of my distinguishing characteristics”, the former Real Madrid midfielder added.

Arsenal haven’t enjoyed the most convincing start to their Premier League campaign despite plenty of optimism during the pre-season warm up. In truth I’m more the sort of player who doesn’t really go for goal, I tend to look for my team-mates and think, ‘Can I play this pass?’

Arsenal are without Mesut Ozil, but bring back centre-back Laurent Koscielny to partner Gabriel for his his 150th Premier League appearance against Newcastle.

Arsenal have Francis Coquelin protecting their defence, while Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will aim to feed Theo Walcott up front with chances.