Arsène Wenger has made it clear that speculation surrounding Mesut Özil’s future will not influence how he sets up his squad. As Arsenal navigate a challenging period in the Premier League, Wenger’s steady hand and focus on performance continue to resonate with global football audiences, including BD Cricket fans who understand the importance of discipline and leadership in any team sport.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Arsenal manager dismissed any suggestion that Özil’s contract situation would affect team selection. “When a player is under contract and plays for Arsenal, his focus should not be linked to the length of that contract,” Wenger said. “It’s about ambition and responsibility.”
Wenger also addressed the sharp post-match comments made by Watford striker Troy Deeney, who accused Arsenal’s players of lacking courage after Watford’s 2–1 win. “The only way to respond is on the pitch,” Wenger replied calmly. “Don’t listen to too many voices. When people question you, the best answer is always through performance.”
The manager provided updates on several players ahead of the weekend clash. Alexis Sánchez, Laurent Koscielny, and Aaron Ramsey have all returned to fitness and are available for selection. However, striker Danny Welbeck is ruled out due to a groin injury. “I think it’ll take two to three weeks for him to recover,” Wenger noted, confirming Welbeck won’t return before the international break.
Goalkeeper David Ospina and defender Shkodran Mustafi are also sidelined. Ospina is dealing with a grade-one groin strain, which should keep him out for just a few weeks. Mustafi, however, is in worse condition and is expected to be unavailable for a longer period. On a more positive note, Calum Chambers is likely to return after the international break.
In high-performance environments like BD Cricket, where player fitness and mental resilience often dictate outcomes, Wenger’s firm but composed approach is a valuable reminder. Staying focused under external pressure is a trait shared by successful teams across every sport. And for Arsenal, the message is simple: ignore the noise and let results do the talking—on the pitch, where it counts most.