Arsenal are to seek clarification from Mesut Ozil after he was reportedly seen socialising in a Berlin nightclub just hours after missing Arsenal's 2-1 win against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Ozil’s omission on Saturday was explained as him being “under the weather” but German newspaper Bild said that he was later seen at The Pearl nightclub for an anniversary event.
Arsenal had given Ozil permission to travel back to Germany on Saturday and, even if he had been involved in the Newcastle match, he was likely to have left for Berlin immediately after the game. Ozil is now with the Germany squad ahead of a friendly match against Australia on Wednesday night.
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Arsenal do want to speak with Ozil to understand what happened on Saturday but, given that his cold was never regarded as severe, are relatively relaxed about the situation. At this stage, there is no suggestion that there would be any disciplinary action although Ozil is likely to be reminded of his responsibilities and the perception that the story could create.
Ozil found himself in the headlines last week for swapping shirts at half-time against Monaco
Ozil is now recovered from his illness and is expected to be available for Germany both tomorrow night and for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia on Sunday. Manager Arsene Wenger has had to deal with two other off-field incidents already this year.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was fined after being caught lighting a cigarette in the dressing room following the New Year's Day loss at Southampton.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere also apologised after he was photographed holding a shisha pipe during a night out to watch the Superbowl while he recovered from injury.
Arsene Wenger is no stranger to dealing with off-field incidents this year
There is no suggestion that the Bild story will impact on Ozil’s place in Arsenal’s match against Liverpool after the international break. Both Arsenal and Ozil have been on good form since he returned from the knee injury he suffered earlier in the season against Chelsea.
Another Arsenal player on international duty this week is Gabriel, who could make his debut for Brazil at The Emirates Stadium against Chile on Sunday. Gabriel was called up to the squad following injuries to both David Luiz and Marquinhos.
"It is a dream," said Gabriel. "It is a valuable opportunity and I hope that is the first call of many. It will be an incentive for me to continue working hard at Arsenal. It will not be easy, because the Brazilian team has great quality, but I will work hard to get my place in the team."
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