Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has, on Saturday night, provided an insight into the sickness bug which struck the club ahead of their meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners of course marked their return to action a short time ago.
After watching Manchester City slip to a shock defeat at the hands of Brentford, Arteta and co. made the trip to Molineux, in the knowledge that a victory would see them open up a five-point gap at the Premier League summit heading into the international break.
And, when all was said and done, this is precisely what Arsenal went on to do.
A brace on the part of captain Martin Odegaard proved enough to guide the Gunners to the right side of an eventual 2-0 final scoreline.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC! 🎯
It’s Odegaard again! 👊 pic.twitter.com/IuIIpQXhOT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2022
One source of concern on an otherwise stellar evening for the visitors to Molineux, though, came on the personnel front.
Mikel Arteta, in turn, opted to replace his midfield fulcrum with Fabio Vieira, sparking altogether understandable concern across the Switzerland fanbase ahead of the fast-approaching World Cup.
Speaking post-match, though, Arsenal’s boss went on to reveal that Xhaka was simply dealing with a bout of illness:
Arteta on Xhaka: “He wasn’t feeling good. We had a few boys with some tummy issues. I’m delighted we adapted to those circumstances.”
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 12, 2022
Pressed further on the stomach issues on the red half of north London on Saturday, Arteta went on to add:
Arteta says the sickness issue with certain players started after the pre-match meal today. He wouldn’t say what they ate.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 12, 2022
Manchester United transfer news: Barcelona eye Garnacho, offer made for striker & more