It’s good news for the Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after he was thought to be injured.
Arsenal head into the World Cup break on top of the Premier League table and this is exactly where they will be on Christmas day – five points clear of Manchester City too. The Gunners have their next match against West Ham United on boxing day. In the meantime, many Arsenal players are deservedly preparing to represent their countries in the mid-season World Cup. One of those being Granit Xhaka, who is loved by Switzerland fans and has been a revelation this season under Mikel Arteta.
There is much concern surrounding the Swiss international at the moment, after he was substituted off the pitch against Wolves. He went down in the first minute and immediately required medical attention – he went on to play an additional 15 minutes but was not in the right state to carry on playing, so off he went down the tunnel and was replaced by Fabio Vieira who had a good game.
Mikel Arteta provided an update on Granit Xhaka, courtesy of Football London. The Spanish boss said that Xhaka is okay, and is just one of a few Arsenal lads suffering from stomach issues. There is no injury and he will be ready to represent Switzerland at the World Cup.
Alas, good news. If any Arsenal player deserves to represent their country this winter, it’s Granit Xhaka. Playing with more freedom this season, he has been a star in the final third. I never knew he had it up his locker, but his creativity and presence in and around the opponents box has been key to Arteta’s attacking philosophy.
Switzerland have a tough group – Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon partner them in Group G. They play their first match on Thursday 24 November, meaning Xhaka will have plenty of time to recover. Phew.
Who are you backing to win the World Cup?