Mikel Arteta says Mesut Ozil's contract will 'never' validate his selection for Arsenal.

The German hasn't featured once in three matches since the Premier League restart.

Arteta admitted Ozil was not happy with the situation, but was adamant he wouldn't pick the playmaker solely because he is the club's highest paid player.

"Never," said Arteta. "That is an agreement that the player and club were happy to do, to move ahead and it is never [one] that I question.

"I think players are paid whatever they deserve because there are two parties here and that should never be something I have to judge.

"I want all my players at their best and to have the ability to be able to pick them to help the squad as much as possible and that's the only intention I have.

"I believe that he's not very happy because he's not playing but as well he picked up an injury the other day and we have to wait and see how he evolves."