Ozil starts for Arsenal and Hazard returns for Chelsea in London derby

Chris Wheatley

Ozil starts for Arsenal and Hazard returns for Chelsea in London derby image

Mesut Ozil has been included in the Arsenal line-up to face Chelsea, having recovered from a knee problem to start in the London derby.

The German passed a late fitness test after being labelled as doubtful for Wednesday night's clash but Laurent Koscielny is ruled out due to reigniting an Achilles problem against West Brom on Sunday.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sticks with three at the back for the game with Ainsley Maitland-Niles coming in for the injured Sead Kolasinac at left wing-back, while Rob Holding starts alongside Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi in defence.

Eden Hazard has also been restored to the Chelsea starting XI, as both sides look to close the gap at the top of the table.

Kolasinac, Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Nacho Monreal are all sidelined for Arsenal, while David Luiz and Charly Musonda remain out for Antonio Conte's side.

Arsenal: Cech (C); Chambers, Mustafi, Holding; Bellerín, Wilshere, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles; Özil, Sánchez; Lacazette.
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill (C); Moses, Fàbregas, Kanté, Bakayoko, Alonso; Hazard; Morata.

 

Chris Wheatley

Chris Wheatley Photo