Arsenal will be without the talents of Mesut Ozil for their clash with Newcastle United following reports the Germany global suffered a knee injury.

Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are also now sidelined, with Per Mertesacker also unavailable due to a chest infection. For Ozil, renowned for his ability to play defencesplitting passes, team success is much more important. And I think that this year we trust ourselves to improve [the place in the standings] a bit this season. “I think that’s one of my distinguishing characteristics”, the former Real Madrid midfielder added.

Arsenal have confirmed their starting eleven and substitutes for this afternoon’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. “But I’m a player who thinks for the team first and not for my own needs and that’s why I will carry on to play the way I always do”.

The 26-year-old Ozil has notched up one assist in three Premier League appearances for the north London side so far this season, with the Gunners having taken four points from their opening three games.

Arsenal have Francis Coquelin protecting their defence, while Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will aim to feed Theo Walcott up front with chances.