Mesut Ozil can return to the Arsenal starting line-up against Bournemouth, but on one condition.
The attacking midfielder was somewhat of a surprise absentee from the Gunners' matchday squad for their 4-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Having been rested against Manchester United on Monday night, ,any Gunners fans would have assumed that Ozil was being held back for Europa League action.
But that was not the case.
Football.london understands that the decision was simply down to Emery's team selection and there has not been a falling out between the pair.
Speaking after the game, Emery outlined what Ozil must do to get back in his plans ahead of this weekend's clash against Bournemouth.
"I am thinking every time the best players for the match," Emery said. "When I decided he isn’t in the squad it’s because other players deserve it more.
"What does he have to do? Continue working.
"Sunday we have another match. We are going to decide again."
In truth, the former Germany international has endured a stop-start campaign thus far.
He made his first start of the season against Watford following the September international break but was left out against Eintracht Frankfurt a few days later.
Then he was an unused substitute when the Gunners came from behind to beat Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium late last month.
Upon Ozil's return to the starting line-up he didn't manage to complete the full 90 minutes in a Carabao Cup tie at home to Nottingham Forest last week.
Now it remains to be seen if he works hard enough to force his way into Emery's plans for the game against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
