Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Mesut Ozil could see action against Aston Villa.

Ozil, who is the club's highest earner on £350,000-a-week, still has a year left on his contract but Arteta explained his recent absence because of a back injury.

But now Arteta has suggested he could be in contention - but still faces a battle to make the 20-man squad for the trip to Villa Park.

Arsenal manager Arteta said: “Mesut is training at the moment, like every other player, he is training. You have to pick from 23, 24 players and I will do that today."

Arteta admitted he expects a huge test against Aston Villa, but says he has still not given up on reaching Europe.

“In my opinion, Aston Villa have been very unlucky in a lot of games. It's a team that wants to play football, that makes it really difficult for their opponent when they have the ball," said Arteta.

“I think the fans not being in the ground, which is one of my favourites in England, is a big disadvantage for them. We really need to be careful that they are alive and you can see that in the last few games that I've watched of them. We better be ready."