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Wenger expecting Ozil to feature

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects to have playmaker Mesut Ozil fit and available for the visit of Swansea City, but Aaron Ramsey will remain on the sidelines.

Ozil was replaced at half-time of Germany’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening, but Wenger is confident that the schemer will be ready to take his place against the Swans at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

We have decided we will give him a complete pre-season now, even if he misses one or two games.Arsene Wenger

e told reporters: “He told us he’s completely fit. I expect him to be available, especially because he’s only played one half (for Germany), so he doesn’t need to be rested on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Ramsey is being given time to build his fitness back up, having not featured since sustaining a hamstring problem in the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.

Wenger confirmed: “I am disappointed, he has worked very hard. He had a few little setbacks and forced us to be cautious.

“He is not far away now, but next week will come too early. We have decided we will give him a complete pre-season now, even if he misses one or two games.”

Wenger also told his pre-match press conference that striker Olivier Giroud will miss the game, but fellow Frenchman Francis Coquelin is back in contention.
The Gunners have only beaten City once in five home Premier League meetings, but are 1/4 to claim a victory on Saturday, with the hosts 7/1 to win 2-0 and 1/1 to keep a clean sheet.

Wenger completed his interview by dismissing rumours which continue to link right-back Hector Bellerin with a possible move back to Spain.

He added: “I’m surprised by the speculation, he has nearly three years to go (on his contract) and for me his long-term future is here.

“He has been absolutely fantastic. In his first game he had a nightmare, but since then his progress has been absolutely spectacular.”

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