It's hard to pinpoint an exact nadir of Mesut Ozil's season. 

The playmaker missed the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield with a sore knee, but the general consensus was that he wouldn't have featured anyway. 

Ozil has now sat out 13 games in all competitions due to injury, illness, or as Unai Emery put it ahead of the Carabao Cup loss to Spurs, "tactical reasons". 

It's a pity when the 30-year-old can produce moments of such magic and vision as he did with his clinical pass to Sead Kolasinac against Burnley. 

However, Arsenal have undoubtedly got themselves into a difficult spot with their biggest earner. 

Back in January, he was awarded a new contract and with it, a rise that saw his wages rocket to a reported £350,000 a week.

It was an obvious move, especially with Alexis Sanchez leaving for Manchester United.

The Gunners felt they had to tie their other key man down and yet, his stock has fallen dramatically since then. 

As the New Year dawns, so does the January transfer window.

Inter Milan are being discussed as a potential destination, though Ozil's salary could be a stumbling block even for a loan move. 

Until his situation is cleared up one way or another, Arsenal fans will be left wondering what exactly is going on behind-the-scenes. 

Fortunately, German journalist Raphael Honigstein has given a fresh update after speaking to a source. 

While he insists Emery has nothing against Ozil personally, it seems Arsenal have come to a firm decision about the type of games he should be featuring in. 

Is Ozil trusted? 

Speaking on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement, Honigstein said:

"The last time I spoke to someone who should know, they insisted it was nothing personal [between Emery and Ozil]. 

“Whenever he has not been played it is because the manager did not fancy him for whatever game.

“Even in the club there’s an acceptance that you need Mesut Ozil to beat those 20 smaller teams to get the 60 points to build the platform.

“But when it comes to the bigger games, against the more attacking teams, it’s very problematic playing with him.

“Especially when you want Aaron Ramsey in your team.”

Sadly, the World Cup winner's nonchalant reputation means that even had he been fit, it would have been difficult to include him away to Liverpool, a game that arguably requires more running than any other fixture in the Premier League calendar.

And for a player of his profile, he can't be content to feature solely against the 'smaller' teams.

Ozil could have a big decision to make in the coming weeks.

Should Arsenal keep Mesut Ozil? Have your say in the comments.