Unai Emery's major hint that Mesut Ozil could be back in the Arsenal Premier League fold

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has given hope to midfielder Mesut Ozil that his game time could increase over the coming weeks.

The German international had found himself frozen out of the squad so far this season, playing just 71 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, and failing to even make the match day squad for the past four league games and two Europa League games.

The 31-year-old last tasted action in the third round of the Carabao Cup against Championship side Nottingham Forest. He was however given another chance to impress his manager when he was selected to start in the fourth round of the competition against Liverpool - a chance which was taken with both hands.

Ozil played a major part in Arsenal's first goal of the game, combining with Bukayo Saka to help Lucas Torreria draw the scores level. The midfielder also shown his creativity when he played a clever ball back to Ainsley Maitland Niles in the second half to ensure that the youngster couldn't miss the open goal to put the Gunners 4-2 up.

Ozil was substituted after 65 minutes, and Arsenal went onto lose the match via a penalty shootout after the score ended 5-5 after 90 minutes.

Following the tie, Gunners boss Unai Emery was asked about the German's performance, and his decision to withdraw him from the match.

Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Unai Emery press conference in full

"He played very well. Tonight he used his skills to help the team and was positive all the time so he played a very good match," he said.

"We spoke before the match about that substitution because he hasn't played for a while so for his rhythm and so that he finished without being very tired I think it was good to play 60-65 minutes so that's what we did.

"It was decided beforehand and I think that moment was good to make the decision, being calm and he worked very well in that 60-65 minutes."

Asked if Ozil could play in the Premier League encounter against Wolves on Saturday, Emery hinted that the midfielder may have forced his way back into his plans.

"Yes, we are going to play on Saturday and in my mind there is the possibility to use him again."