Arsenal have been handed an enormous fitness boost after Granit Xhaka was photographed at London Colney on Saturday afternoon, ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Everton.
Remember, Xhaka was ruled out for Arsenal toward the end of September with a three-month layoff, meaning that his expected return to training was supposed to be significantly later in December.
However, it would appear as if the Switzerland international is comfortably ahead of schedule.
Honestly, this is massive for the Gunners because the Christmas period is a particularly gruelling one for players, with different matches every couple of days.
So for Mikel Arteta to have the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder in training and potentially ready for the footballing festivities is a monumental positive.
Xhaka hasn’t been Mr Popular among Arsenal supporters down the years but, on Twitter, a number of them have been singing his praises following a return to Colney.
Xhaka’s return is beautifully timed
Arteta’s outfit are away to Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow evening, but that comes too soon for Xhaka.
Beyond that encounter, Arsenal have no fewer than six additional matches across all competitions between now and January.
Therefore, Xhaka is almost certainly expected by Arteta to contribute throughout the course of December.
The former captain has leadership qualities in spades and with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who replaced him as skipper – struggling in a number of ways, th midfielder’s return is perfectly-timed.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
