Mesut Ozil has been left out of Arsenal's matchday squad to face Tottenham in tonight's EFL Cup quarter-final clash for tactical reasons, Standard Sport understands.
Ozil had been expected to play a role for the Gunners against fierce local rivals Spurs in the knockout match at Emirates Stadium, but the former Germany international was not even named among Unai Emery's substitutes.
Standard Sport understands that Ozil's absence is not due to an injury, but rather Emery has purely decided to omit the playmaker for tactical purposes.
Ozil signed a new long-term deal in February to become Arsenal's highest-paid player, but the 30-year-old has struggled to convince Emery of his talents since the Spaniard succeeded Arsene Wenger as coach in the summer.
Emery has repeatedly used pre- and post-match press conferences to call on Ozil to add more consistency to his game, even when the German has performed well for the Gunners.
With Ozil omitted from Wednesday night's high-profile cup tie against Spurs, it raises further questions about the playmaker's future at the club - especially with the coach having limited funds to work with in the January transfer window.
Arsenal vs Tottenham line-ups
Arsenal XI: Cech; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Xhaka, Monreal; Torreira, Guendouzi; Mkhitaryan, Ramsey, Iwobi; Aubameyang
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Lichtsteiner, Elneny, Willock, Lacazette, Nketiah
Tottenham XI: Gazzaniga; Trippier, Alderweireld, Davies, Rose; Winks, Sissoko; Eriksen, Dele, Lucas; Son
Subs: Vorm, Foyth, Walker-Peters, Skipp, Lamela, Llorente, Kane
