An explanation for the absence of Granit Xhaka from the Arsenal matchday squad to take on Southampton has been provided late on Friday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s troops, of course, are set to return to action in short order.
Amid ongoing efforts to stave off the pressure of champions Manchester City, the Gunners will welcome basement dwellers Southampton to The Emirates, for a Premier League clash.
Arsenal are primed to enter proceedings nothing short of desperate for a bounce-back result, after surrendering two-goal leads in each of their last two outings, against Liverpool and West Ham United respectively.
As alluded to above, though, such efforts on Arsenal’s part will come with the capital giants unable to call on the services of a key member of boss Arteta’s squad.
Granit Xhaka was widely expected to feature from the off this evening, taking his customary place at the base of midfield alongside engine room partner Thomas Partey.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Zinchenko returns
🪄 Vieira in midfield
🌶️ Saka in attack
Let’s get back to winning ways, together! pic.twitter.com/VK0bayYcBn— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 21, 2023
And an explanation for as much has since swiftly followed, with the Swiss international absent on Friday owing to a bout of illness:
Granit Xhaka misses out for Arsenal this evening through illness.
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) April 21, 2023
