Mesut Ozil will not feature for Arsenal in Saturday’s trip to Liverpool as he continues to struggle with the flu.
The German playmaker was sent home from training on Wednesday but it had been hoped that Ozil would be able to make the crucial clash at Anfield, which pits fourth in the Premier League against fifth.
Ozil is still likely to be available for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Bayern Munich, in which Arsenal will attempt to overturn a 5-1 deficit.
Arsenal’s record signing has struggled for form in recent weeks but has enjoyed several impressive performances against Liverpool since arriving in the Premier League, indeed he has lost on just one of the six occasions he has faced the Reds.
Mesut Ozil's best performances for Arsenal
In Ozil’s absence Alex Iwobi or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be tasked with taking his usual number 10 role.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is facing fitness concerns of his own, with Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson ruled out. Central defender Dejan Lovren is set to make his return to the squad after five weeks out with a knee injury.
