Ozil ruled out of Preston tie

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil won't feature in Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at Preston as he "hasn't seen him for a week".

Wenger said the 28-year-old was not available for the Gunners' clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday because he is still suffering from the illness that kept him out of the New Year's Day 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

The Frenchman also said that the German international is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Deepdale, which is live on BT Sport 2 on the eirSport package [kick off 17.30].

"It was an easy decision. I haven't seen him for a week, he's still in bed," he told Sky Sports.

"He's not available and I don't think he will be available for the next game as he hasn't done anything for a week."

Arsenal fought back from 3-0 down with 20 minutes to play at the Vitality Stadium to secure a 3-3 draw, with Wenger blaming the Premier League's fixture schedule for the Gunners' poor start.

Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on New Year's Day, while Eddie Howe's team had an extra day's rest following the Cherries' New Year's Eve win at Swansea.

"One team had over three days to recover and on top of that we suffered at the back," Wenger told BBC Sport.

"It was a physical test but we came back into the game and mentally it was a test and we showed we are mentally strong. I am happy to play every day but only if our opponent has done the same."

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who set up goals for Alexis Sanchez and Lucas Perez before heading an injury-time equaliser, was happy with the second-half fightback but disappointed his side failed to secure victory.

"I'm pleased to help the team by scoring the equaliser but I'm still disappointed," he said.

"It's nice to come back but the way we played at the end, that made me think we should have done better. At least we came back, showed great mental strength and I will take it."

Photo (Getty Images/Michael Regan)

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