Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta provides the reasoning behind Granit Xhaka's absence for Southampton
Mikel Arteta has revealed the reason why Granit Xhaka was absent from Arsenal's Premier League clash with Southampton on Friday evening.
The Swiss international was omitted from the Gunners' matchday squad against the bottom-of-the-table due to illness. He was replaced by Portuguese Fabio Vieira alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
It was one of two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with West Ham last week. Oleksandr Zinchenko returned to the starting XI at left-back with Kieran Tierney dropping down to the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Arteta said: "Very different qualities, this morning unfortunately Granit [Xhaka] wasn’t feeling well so we had to get him out of the squad.
"That’s why we signed a player like Fabio [Vieira] - very different qualities, much more attacking player, much more of a pocket player, excited to see him in the starting line-up."
The Gunners will be hoping to have Xhaka back for Wednesday's crunch clash with Manchester City on Wednesday evening. The midfielder has played a starring role for the club this season, contributing to 12 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.
ciuceimnsy
0
Biers is not quality player
vaaabcdeny
3
why don,t u Arteta use zinchenko as a midfielder instead of Fabio
sopilortu
0
Arteta you are ruining the entire season. How on earth you have Fabio Viera in starting 11. He is not even worth playing for championship team. He does not have power nor speed nor strength and no hunger to win. Why ??? Why???? Why???? Are Nelson and ESR to be sold next season???????
Samailmpr
0
Arteta is the reason we are not winning for the passed three games now
Douekmouyz
1
Arteta you brought us this far but you are guilty of playing with our feelings and conscience now.... You toppled it man.