Inconsistent Torreira ‘the same as Ozil’ – Arsenal boss

Ian Watson

Unai Emery says Lucas Torreira is in a similar position to Mesut Ozil at Arsenal because of his inconsistency.

Ozil could return for the Gunners against Chelsea on Saturday evening after Emery opted to leave him out of the squad for the 1-0 loss against West Ham, with the German’s future at the club called into doubt.

Emery believes Ozil’s form has been too inconsistent this season, not helped by a number of niggling injuries.

The Spaniard also laid the same criticism at the door of midfielder Torreira, who has played just 76 minutes of football since the turn of the year.

“He is the same (as Ozil),” Emery replied when asked why Torreira has been relegated to a bit-part player in recent weeks.

“Sometimes he is with a good performance, sometimes he is with worse performances. And sometimes he can play and sometimes somebody else can play. I think this is normal.”