Granit Xhaka to miss Arsenal’s crunch match with Southampton through illness… as Mikel Arteta confirms Swiss international ‘wasn’t feeling too well’ ahead of game
- Granit Xhaka will miss Arsenal’s crucial game against Southampton due to illness
- Mikel Arteta confirmed earlier in the day that the midfielder was ‘not feeling well’
- It is a crucial game for the Gunners, who can extend their lead to seven points
Granit Xhaka will miss Arsenal’s crucial game against Southampton due to an illness issue.
The Swiss international was left out of the Gunners’ match squad for the home game against the Saints due to the issue.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the reason for Xhaka’s absence ahead of the game. He said, “Unfortunately, Granit wasn’t feeling very well this morning. I’m excited to see Fabio Vieira in the starting line-up.
“Hopefully we’ve learned a lesson. We know what to do, but we have to prove it right now. Hopefully we will see a completely different story.’
It is a huge blow to the Gunners, who can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a win over the Saints.
Xhaka has played a leading role for the Arsenal side this year, forming a solid partnership with Thomas Partey in midfield.
Instead of the Swiss international, summer signing Fabio Vieira will step into the middle of the park for the clash against the Saints.
Xhaka, 30, has made 31 appearances for the Gunners in the top English league this season and has contributed five goals and five assists in that time.
More to follow…