Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes manager Unai Emery will not recall Mesut Ozil even if he is fit to start against Huddersfield this afternoon.

The TV pundit says that the Gunners boss has found a system that works best without the former German international:

“Will Mesut Ozil return for Arsenal this weekend? I don’t see Unai Emery bringing him back in now as Arsenal will try to play in the same vein as they did against Tottenham and Manchester United.”

Ozil is currently struggling with a back injury that has kept him out of the last three games against Tottenham, Vorskla and Manchester United.

However, prior to being sidelined, the 30-year-old was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth with Emery employing a 3-4-3 system.

Th formation doesn’t really accommodate a player like Ozil very easily, with no room for a central playmaker.

Instead, Emery has opted for the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey to play either side of a central striker.

Whether he’ll automatically return to a back four when Ozil is fit and available, it is debatable, although the long-term injury to defender Rob Holding may lead to a change in tactics in any case.