Arsenal's results have hit rock bottom but recalling Mesut Ozil could help lift them out of the doldrums, according to former England defender Joleon Lescott.
Ozil has not played for the Gunners since March and has likely already made his final appearance for the club ahead of his contract's expiry next summer.
But Mikel Arteta refused to rule out a January recall for the midfielder, saying earlier this month:"He's not in the squad right now. I'm focusing just on the players we have here.
"But, whatever happens in January, we have some time to decide."
In Ozil's absence, Arsenal have endured their worst start to a league season since 1974 - and Lescott outlined why the German will be "confident" he could help arrest the slide.
"In regards to him coming back, there's not going to be a worse time to bring him back," Lescott said of Ozil while speaking to William Hill.
"The confidence he must have right now - as an ex-player you don't wanna see your team lose, but if they are losing you believe you can have a positive impact on them winning.
"I'm sure he will believe that, I'm sure that the players would have open arms.
"And if results can't get any worse for them and he comes in and lifts everyone even a couple of per cent, then it's a benefit to everyone around."
But Lescott admits it is unlikely Ozil will return to the fold after he was left out of Arsenal's squads for the Premier League and Europa League this season.
The former Manchester City star added: "I don't think it will happen. I was surprised it did happen [Ozil's omission].
"I never like to see that, regardless of the circumstances. Rumours of him not being able to train, I don't see the benefit in that for anyone.
"We talk about - maybe a little bit deep for this topic - we talk about mental health issues and yet we're able to do that to individuals and outcast them for whatever reason."
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