Mesut Ozil will feature in Arsenal’s Europa League dead rubber against Qarabag tonight, with Unai Emery set to use the World Cup winner alongside a host of kids.
The 30-year-old midfielder has not played in more than a month due to back problems.
It will be his first appearance since the club’s ‘hippy crack’ controversy, with Ozil among players pictured apparently inhaling nitrous oxide.
Asked what he said to them, Emery said: ‘The discussions are inside here between us. For me the most important thing is to not lose the focus.’
Emery told Ozil that he wants him to fight for his place.
‘I am going to decide if he plays from the beginning or during the match in the 90 minutes,’ he said. ‘After his injuries, he is OK. He is in the group. We need him to help us with his quality and tomorrow is the first match after his injuries that he can help us.’
Arsenal are aiming to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 22 games.
‘Our objective is to win,’ Emery added. ‘We are going to use some different players, with also players coming from the Under 23 team and also it is in our planning to start with Laurent Koscielny.’
It will be the Frenchman’s first outing since May and Emery is targeting a centre back in January. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill is among the options.
Kick-off: 8pm, Emirates Stadium. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 2 from 7.50pm.