The new Arsenal squad photo has two very notable absentees

By Dov Rawson   OCT 05, 2017

Arsenal today published photos on their official Facebook page in which the first team are modelling the new club suits.

Arsene Wenger's side, currently 7th in the Premier League table, are unbeaten since the humiliating 4-0 defeat by Liverpool in August.

The Gunners are playing in the Europa League after missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in the 21st century.

Criticised by the fans, Wenger signed a two-year contract extension over the summer after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

A less-than-inspiring summer transfer window followed and the club could well lose two key players next summer on free transfers.

Futures of Ozil and Sanchez

Star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil both have less than a year to run on their current deals in north London.

It appears unlikely that either player will commit their future to the club whilst Arsenal struggle to compete with the top clubs in England, never mind Europe.

Sanchez almost secured a big-money Deadline Day move to Manchester City and it's expected that Pep Guardiola will return with a cut-price offer in January.

Gooners react to new squad photo

Modelling the club's new suits, fans noticed something inexplicable about the photo (below) published on the club's official Facebook page.

There were two very notable absentees - Ozil and Sanchez.

The German and Chilean stars are both fit and fans were quickly speculating on the reasons for their star players absence.

Most of the comments, as can be seen below, was regarding the lack of Ozil and Sanchez.

Contract talks with the former Real Madrid playmaker reportedly broke down in February.

Ozil, 28, will be able to agree a contract with any foreign club from January ahead of a possible summer free transfer.

Despite logic, the veteran French manager believes there is still a chance that Sanchez could sign a new deal at the Emirates.

"I didn’t want him [Sanchez] to leave, it’s true," said Wenger earlier in September. "I didn’t want him to leave and in the end he didn’t leave.

"There is a chance of keeping him, yes. He is committed and focused on Arsenal. That’s what makes me believe it."