Germany boss Joachim Low has said that Mesut Ozil had permission from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to rule himself out of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United and fly to Berlin.
Ozil was omitted from the squad that travelled to the North-East for the 2-1 victory due to illness, but was reportedly spotted partying in the German capital later that night.
"It's anyone's guess whether he was partying or not," Low told reporters ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Australia. "He has told me that he was in Berlin.
"I spoke to him and he said that he was weakened by a cold during last week and so Arsene Wenger and Ozil together took the decision to not play him at the weekend.
"After the match, he was allowed to fly to Berlin."
The 26-year-old has picked up four goals and six assists in another trying season for the Gunners playmaker following a club-record £42.5m switch from Real Madrid 19 months ago.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
