Granit Xhaka is not letting news of his long-term knee injury dampen his spirit as the Arsenal star was pictured in the gym sporting a leg brace amid his three-month lay off.
Swiss midfielder Xhaka is facing a long spell on the sidelines after a collision with Spurs winger Lucas Moura during Sunday's North London Derby which has left him with 'significant' damage to the medial ligament in his right knee.
Xhaka, 29, saw a specialist on Tuesday where he learnt that he does not need surgery for the injury, and the midfielder has been pictured wearing a leg brace as he got back to work in the gym.
Posting to his Instagram account, Xhaka uploaded an image of himself on an elliptical with the caption: 'The recovery starts now'.
The 29-year-old was seen being put through his paces alongside Gunners team-mate Sead Kolasinac, who was not named in Mikel Arteta's squad for the 3-1 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates.
Arteta praised Xhaka's 'top mentality' and believes his 'strong mind' will allow the Swiss to return in 'the right place'.
'First of all it is a significant injury but he probably escaped an even worse injury than he could have had because that action for the cruciate ligament is a tricky one.
'His mentality is top. He knows what he needs to do. Hopefully he can escape surgery as well which is something really, really important and after that just start preparing himself in the best possible way because time flies.
'Obviously it is really bad news personally for Granit because he has had a couple of incidents already this season with Covid, the suspension and now with the long-term injury.
'But he has a strong mind and will use this time to focus on other things and I'm sure that he will be back in the right place when he is back but he is a big player for us, someone really important and he will be missed but other players have to step in.'
The Gunners have several options to replace Xhaka as they prepare for a trip to Brighton on Saturday, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny.
Bomcdnoptz
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my all football is not showing pictures
are u using android phone?
bepcdlosy
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Côme back stronger
enyce
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my all football is not showing pictures
delete and collect another one
goonersgun
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lokonga should start now All the best xhaha
Heavy_d
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my all football is not showing pictures
Heavy_d
1
don't worry guys he will come back early than expected
Bryankahiga
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Hewdnpsu
2
We should swap laca with kessie.That guy is perfect midfielder and much better than xhaka
ibtaofeeq1981
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this is very sad to miss an important player of the team,xhaka has turn up and really doing great job, but we thanks God because the is not worst as we thought, I wish him quickly recovery and come back strong
kuoabcdkoz
1
result
Diaaceklpu
1
cemabpruyz
2
I wish Xhaka all the best. I hope he fully recovers. But he needs to be moved on. He’s never available. He either gets hurt or gets banned for stupid challenges. When he stays in the lineup he puts in 3 bad performances for every good one. Sell him for Gods sake please
Kahbcdprst
2
I'm happy to see his progress, I salute you xhaka.
leoabdstuz
2
he's a great player...
Tobilacazette
2
STAY STRONG XHAKA I LOVE YOU
MUTINDO
6
Xhaka is a fighter he can't see himself sidelined for 3 months.. Quick recovery midfielder General..
JordainePenner
3
As a Tottenham fan I hope he quickly recovers...lmao