Unai Emery says he has picked Mesut Ozil for Arsenal for the first time this season because he has been performing well in training.
The German hasn't been fit and has sat out the Gunners' opening four fixtures in the Premier League, amid claims he isn't in Emery's long-term plans.
But Emery has started him in midfield alongside Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi against Watford this Sunday, and says he is confident Ozil can help Arsenal to a victory.
"He trained with us in the position, and he played it with a good performance," the Arsenal manager told Sky Sports.
"Now he is working, training with us for two or three weeks, I think, and today I think he can help us I think.
"Every player is very important, the first XI and those on the bench."
Arsenal's academy manager and former player Per Mertesacker spoke out about his compatriot this week and explained what Ozil needs to do to get back into Emery's good books.
"I hope Mesut can get fit," said Mertesacker. "Unai requires a certain fitness level.
"Unai is fair to everyone. You need to deliver a certain fitness level – then you are available to play.
"Unai tries to get through to him. He talks to him. He says: 'You need to train to a certain level every day – I need you to be fit – otherwise you are not going to play.'
"That's what I've seen. He puts him in the squad but then leaves him on the bench. If he trains to the level that's required, he can play.
"Personally, I'm in favour of that. When Mesut is fit, he is one of our best players. He needs to be in there. We need to build the team around him and make him stronger."
