Before to Arsenal’s Premier League matchup with Manchester City, Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Granit Xhaka is a big doubt.
On Wednesday, April 26, the two table-toppers will square off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that has the potential to decide the championship.
Due to losses in three of their most recent games, the Gunners have hit a bit of a difficult patch at the time of the match.
ESPN reported Arsenal’s most recent outing ended in a 3-3 epic draw with relegation-battlers Southampton, with the result dealing them a massive blow in their title bid.
While the north Londoners are still topping the charts, there are only five points separating them and second-placed City, who have two games in hand.
Arteta’s charges will therefore be desperate to earn a positive result when they lock horns against the reigning English champions.
Xhaka doubt for Man City clash
However, they may have to do that without Granit Xhaka, who has been one of the club’s standout performers in their title bid.
Arteta disclosed on Tuesday that the Swiss midfielder is a big doubt for the Etihad Stadium trip through illness.
The Switzerland international is yet to resume training, having also missed Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Southampton last Friday.
“Yeah Granit has been out and hopefully he will be able to train today. But he’s still a doubt,” Arteta admitted via Metro UK.
“The rest are okay,” he added.
Arsenal players break down
It was previously reported that Arsenal stars broke down in tears after their third consecutive draw – that time against Southampton in their third consecutive game.
Captain, Martin Odegaard sparked late drama with a shot from outside the box before Bukayo Saka scored the third after a scramble in the box.
However, Arsenal players realised that in terms of their title aspirations, the game might as well have been lost instead of yet another draw.