Arsenal reportedly have no plans to reintegrate Mesut Ozil into the first-team squad, with the German set to sit out the remainder of the season.
Ozil was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads at the start of this campaign, despite being the club's longest serving and best-paid individual.
The World Cup winner was expected to leave in the summer as a result, and was linked with a move to Turkey, but decided to stay put.
Arsenal have struggled without a number 10 in recent weeks, and before their recent turn in fortunes, Mikel Arteta was under serious pressure.
There was the suggestion that Arteta could return Ozil to the first team to fix his problems with midfield creativity, but Emile Smith Rowe has since stepped up to the plate.
So much so in fact that it seems even Ozil appears to have changed his mind on his own importance to this Arsenal team, acknowledging the youngster is a worthy replacement.
"Nice game my boys! Great spirit - three wins in a row. Team looks good with a No 10 like Emile Smith Rowe - the difference maker," Ozil tweeted after Arsenal beat West Brom.
Ozil's comments coincide with a report from The Athletic, which claims the Gunners are not looking to return the German to the first team.
As Ozil hasn't kicked a ball all season - in fact he hasn't since March - and is not match fit and it would take too long for him to be at the level to play competitively.
Ozil has been training with the first team this season, but unless he leaves this January, it doesn't look like he will be playing any football this campaign.
Will Mikel Arteta still be Arsenal boss come the end of the season? Have your say here.
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
