Arsenal have revealed that Granit Xhaka will be back in full training in December
The Switzerland international has been absent since September with knee ligament damage.
Xhaka’s absence has reminded a lot of Arsenal fans of how important the 29-year-old is.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach star, a £30 million signing in 2016, hasn’t always been adored by fans of the North London club.
But he’s a big player for the Emirates Stadium side.
An Arsenal statement via their official website read: “Granit is continuing to make good progress in his recovery from a medial knee ligament injury sustained on September 26.
“Granit has progressed his recovery to running outside, with the aim to now be back in full training in December.”
Brilliant boost
This is cracking news for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Xhaka is, as mentioned, a very good player in spite of what some supporters think of him.
But it’s also a welcome boost because Thomas Partey is heading for the Africa Cup of Nations in late December.
And being honest, Mikel Arteta’s midfield can’t survive without both Partey and Xhaka being in it, but it’s a scenario the Spanish manager won’t face based on this update.
Lastly, the Christmas fixture list is infamous for its intensity.
Arsenal’s squad will be tested and a poor festive period could be detrimental to the Gunners’ campaign.
But, with a player like Xhaka available, that could go a long way to ensuring the club emerge unscathed in December.
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