Granit Xhaka has a World Cup scare as he is FORCED OFF early in Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph at Wolves

Granit Xhaka was forced out during the early stages of Arsenal’s crucial 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, but manager Mikel Arteta has since revealed that the Swiss star was only struggling with a disease problem.

The Gunners took advantage of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday to climb five points clear of the top of the Premier League ahead of the World Cup break thanks to a well-taken double from captain Martin Odegaard.

Squatting shortly after kick-off, Xhaka played the first 16 minutes of the game in some discomfort before making way for substitute Fabio Vieira.

Granit Xhaka was forced out in the 16th minute in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves

The midfielder is expected to captain Switzerland next week at the World Cup.

During his post-match interview, Arteta confirmed that Xhaka was suffering from a disease virus, which had made its way into the Arsenal camp.

“He’s all right,” Arteta said. “We had some guys with some stomach problems, but I’m really happy that we adapted to those conditions and won the race.

“There were a few players who weren’t feeling great, but clearly made three or four substitutions during that period.

Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that Xhaka was suffering from illness

‘The great thing is that in any context with difficult, away from home every three days, [the players] still come here and manage to play well.”

Arsenal are enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League campaign and will now be the best this Christmas, with the top flight returning on Boxing Day after the World Cup in Qatar.

Arteta emphasized that patience was the most important factor during the clash at Molineux.

Martin Odegaard’s double in the second half gave Arsenal a five-point lead over the top of the league

He continued: ‘Today it was all about being very patient, the game they suggested made it difficult with very little space.

“It was frustrating because they were waiting for that mistake to overtake us at half time.

“The speed, the goal and the courage to take more initiative was much better in the second half and then they won the game. Throughout the week there has been a lot of talk about individuals and about our collective.

The manager insisted patience was key in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Molineux

“Mentally it was a tough one, but that’s the mentality you have to have when you’re at the top. Our focus is to get better every day and we still have things to improve.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in this position, it’s a complete transformation of the energy and passion of the fans that they have transferred to these players.

‘The unity of the top with every member of the team and staff, they [the fans] are the soul of this football club.’