Mesut Ozil is one of Arsenal’s most important players, according to team-mate Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The German midfielder played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bate Borisov on Thursday as they progressed to the last-16 of the Europa League.
It was Ozil’s first start since featuring in a 2-1 win against Cardiff last month. He has missed 20 games in all competitions this owing to illness, form and injury.
The 30-year-old has also been told by Arsenal boss Unai Emery that he needs to shake off minor injuries and illness if he is to command a regular place in his side.
Defender Sokratis believes that Ozil improves the team when included.
The Greece international said: ”He played very good. Mesut is a fantastic player and when he is fit he is one of the most important players in the team.
“Of course when something is not going good, everybody is there to criticise but we have to see also what Mesut did in the last years for this team.
“All the team, all the players are behind him and we need a good Mesut to go (forward) because we know that he is very important for us.”
Sokratis scored on his injury comeback against the Belarusian champions after being sidelined with an ankle issue for almost a month.
He has defended Ozil’s injury record and insists the former Real Madrid man is still training with a smile on his face.
Sokratis, 30, said: ”He was sick, he had some problems but after he came back for training.
“Now, he is good. He did well yesterday and I hope in the next games he will go forward like this.
“He enjoys (himself) and we enjoy that he is with us.
“But when you are injured, it is difficult. Mesut is very important, he is a very good guy and we need him.”