Speaking at the press conference ahead of the Manchester City clash, Mikel Arteta was quizzed on his decision to freeze out Matteo Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil.
"Pure football reasons," he said when asked to explain why he has dropped the duo from the squad, as cited by the club's official website. "My decision is always that.
"My only ambition is to put out the best squad, the best players that give us the best balance - in and out of the field - and the best possible chance to win the game."
Matteo Guendouzi has been training alone with a fitness coach as it was suggested he will be sold in the near future after failing to apologise for the Neal Maupay throat-grabbing incident.
Arteta has always highlighted the importance of team spirit:
However, there are reports indicating that both the 21-year-old and Arsenal hope to resolve the conflict as the Frenchman supposedly wants to stay while the club are hopeful of retaining him, too.
However, it appears as if Mesut Ozil is closer than Matteo to making a return to the squad.
Earlier this week, the German sent a cryptic message to the boss. The 31-year-old uploaded two pictures of him training with the rest of the team. "I am ready," wrote the midfielder.
"Yeah he's been training," Arteta said with a hint of a smile when asked whether he considers Mesut for the matchday squad against Man City. "I haven't done the squad yet, but he's in training."
Mesut has not made a single appearance for Arsenal after the resumption of the Premier League campaign so far.
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