Arsenal have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of tonight’s title decider against Manchester City at the Etihad with the return of Granit Xhaka in the starting eleven.
Granit Xhaka starts.
Xhaka, who was absent in Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton last Friday was spotted earlier today, leaving the team bus alongside his teammates as the team arrived in Manchester for the crucial battle against the defending champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Xhaka is a doubt but did not rule out the Switzerland captain for the trip to the Etihad.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta said:
“Granit has been out. Hopefully, he will be able to train today but he’s still a doubt.”
Fabio Vieira started against Southampton but failed to impress and Xhaka’s return is a huge boost for the Gunners.
Granit Xhaka has been in blistering form this season, scoring five times in the Premier League and providing five assists in 31 appearances.
Arsenal have suffered serious injuries this season and are currently without first choice centre back William Saliba, Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu and Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
With two defeats already to Manchester City this season, the league leaders will want to avoid a third with just six matches remaining until the end of the season.
Arsenal are currently on their longest losing streak in the Premier League, losing in the last 11 games against Manchester City and Mikel Arteta has lost all six of his league games against Manchester City, the only side the Spaniard has faced but failed to beat as a manager in the division.
