Mikel Arteta clarifies what happened with Granit Xhaka after he was substituted unexpectedly
Granit Xhaka was replaced early in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday due to a stomach virus that had spread through the team’s dressing room.
The 30-year-old midfielder was replaced 16 minutes into the contest at Molineux, 12 days before Switzerland’s first World Cup play.
Fortunately, Arteta believes Xhaka will be able to lead his country in Qatar, as he stated, “He’s okay. We had a few boys with some tummy issues but I’m delighted that we adapted to those circumstances and managed to win the game.”
In a statement to Sky Sports, the Arsenal manager elaborated on the Swiss’ condition, saying, “He wasn’t feeling good, he was sick and he could not carry on. Unfortunately, we have another four players with the same symptoms. So, I don’t know what exactly happened.
“There were a few players who were not feeling great but obviously make three or four substitutions at that period. The good thing is that under any context with difficultly, away from home every three days, [the players] still come here and manage to play well.”
Arteta was pleased with his team’s effort and the outcome, which means they will spend the World Cup five points clear atop the Premier League standings. “Today was about being very patient, the game they proposed made it difficult with very little space,” the Spaniard explained.
“It was frustrating because they were waiting on that mistake to catch us on the break The speed, the purpose and the courage to take more initiative was much better in the second half and then they won the game. The whole week there’s been a lot of talk about individuals and about us collectively.
“Mentally it was a tricky one, but that’s the mentality you have to have when you’re at the top. Our focus is to be better everyday and we still have things to improve.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in this position, it’s a full transformation from the fans energy and passion that they’ve transmitted to these players. The unity from the top to every single member of the team and the staff, they [the fans] are the soul of this football club.”
Arsenal play only two more competitive matches before the new year, beginning with a Boxing Day contest against West Ham United in front of an upbeat Emirates crowd.
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, the Gunners will go to Brighton & Hove Albion, who eliminated them from the EFL Cup this week.
Mikel Arteta clarifies what happened with Granit Xhaka after he was substituted unexpectedly
