Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has come out to state that Mesut Ozil is still an important player for the Gunners after the World Cup winner revealed that he has become a scapegoat at the Emirates.

Ozil has made just two appearances so far this season, with his only minutes in the Premier League coming during the 2-2 draw at Watford last month.

Even though he is fit, the German has not even made the squad for the past three league games, with Emery saying other deserving players have taken his spot.

Ozil had this to say, “If we don’t do well in a big game, it’s always my fault,” he said. “If that’s true, how do you explain our results in the big games when I wasn’t involved? There’s no real difference.

“I know people expect me to offer more, dictate play and make the difference — I do, too — but it’s not that straightforward.”

“I’m not the only player in the team and, don’t forget, some of our opponents are simply better than us.”

Reacting to this statement recently, Emery has said Ozil is still in his plans.

His words, “We are in our way and we live in the present,”

“In this present we are looking for the best way to be competitive, to play each match with our best quality and best mentality.

“Mesut Ozil, for us, is important. Sometimes one player could be important playing or could be important being on the bench or could be important preparing for the next match.

“This is our mentality and this is the way we want to create with 25 players in the squad.

“Mesut Ozil is in the same way and I told you now for the last three weeks he is working and improving and being better in the training. If we need him we are going use him.”

Do you believe him?