No Ozil for Arsenal as Lucas Perez starts

Ozil misses out with flu and is replaced by Lucas Perez in the starting XI, while Shkodran Mustafi is named among the substitutes

Arsenal are without star midfielder Mesut Ozil for the meeting with Crystal Palace, with Lucas Perez starting in his place.

The German international is suffering from flu and was deemed unfit for the match at Emirates Stadium.

Spanish forward Perez starts a league game for the first time since his debut against Southampton in September, while Shkodran Mustafi is named among the substitutes following his return from injury.

Mohamed Elneny is a surprise starter in midfield just one day before he jets off to Gabon on Monday for the African Cup of Nations with Egypt.