Unai Emery has denied rumours he dropped Mesut Özil because of an argument at Arsenal training this week.
Özil was not named in the matchday squad for Saturday’s game against West Ham with “illness” being cited as the main reason.
However, ESPN Brasil journalist João Castelo-Branco insists those claims are wrong, and that the midfielder was left out after arguing with Emery in training.
“Özil had an argument with coach Emery at practice this week, came out screaming and is cut today,” he posted on Twitter.
“Information from more than one source linked to the club.”
Emery earned his first win as Arsenal boss as they beat West Ham 3-1 at Emirates Stadium, but was quick to shut down the claims during his post-match news conference.
“It isn’t true. He was sick yesterday, he spoke with the doctor and with me and we decided not to play today,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“Today I said to him come if he feels better and he feels better today. There is no problem with the player.”