Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been carrying a back injury, it has been revealed.
The Times says the German playmaker has been struggling with a back problem and this is why he has been given time off by boss Arsene Wenger.
Ozil, 28, last appeared for the Gunners was in the humiliating 5-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.
The former Real Madrid star has been sounded out by angry Gooners who believe his sometimes 'non-existent' in games.
Wenger then sanctioned some time off for Ozil to recover which is why he was not in the squad for their 2-0 win against Sutton in the FA Cup on Monday.
The Gunners do not play again until they travel to Liverpool on March 4 in the Premier League.