Mesut Ozil, Sokratis left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad

Mesut Ozil and Sokratis have been left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad for the 2020/2021 campaign.

Mesut Ozil hasn’t played a game for the Gunners since March despite being fit, while Sokratis also hasn’t featured this season.

There is no room for Arsenal defender, William Saliba either, as the Gunners look to send the 19-year-old defender out on loan to gain more experience.

19-year-old Gabriel Martinelli also misses out due to a long-term injury which looks set to sideline the Brazilian for at least half of the 2020/2021 campaign.

The Gunners had hoped to avoid such a decision but having failed to cut their non-homegrown (‘locally trained players’) tally of senior players to 17 by the end of the transfer window they knew they’d have to cut two players.

In the end, Mikel Arteta selected Ozil, who hasn’t played a minute of competitive football since March, and Sokratis, who came close to leaving recently.

Both players are into the final 12 months of their contracts.

Arsenal has six group stage games between now and 10 December. If the Gunners progress they’ll then have to submit another squad for the knockout stages.

The date to register players for the Premier League is thought to be 20 October; not long after the second transfer window, which allows for business with EFL clubs, closes.