Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka was missing in action as Switzerland took out to the training field.
In Arsenal’s final match before the Premier League break, Granit Xhaka was subbed off the pitch in the first quarter. This raised many question marks as to whether or not the Switzerland midfielder would be available for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, he was given the all clear and has since travelled with the squad.
Switzerland have been hard in training, as they want to prove the world they can challenge on the big stage. They certainly have the players to do so – it just a case of whether the quality combines well enough on the pitch.
Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were absent from training this morning, as reported by the Sun. However, it is not much to be concerned about as far as Arsenal and Switzerland are concerned – it is thought the two were just resting up after they played in a friendly.
Xhaka reportedly looked completely worn out after this friendly match but this is potentially due to the intense heat, something he is not accustomed to just yet. It is quite the cultural change from London, where it is not known for sun, to Qatar, where they experience heat all year round.
Xhaka is key to Switzerland’s midfield and if he shows the form he has this season for Arsenal in his country jersey, then Switzerland stand a chance of making progress in this competition. He has played more freely under Mikel Arteta, allowing him to get forward and show inspiration in the final third.
If Xhaka is fit, he will start every match for Switzerland. Not only is his talent an important asset, but he also does well off the ball to command his countrymen, ensuring everybody is in the right position and the play is flowing smoothly.
How far do you think Granit Xhaka and Switzerland will go in this year’s World Cup?