Martin Odegaard has posted to Granit Xhaka on his Instagram story ‘You’ll be back stronger brother’ after his Arsenal teammate was ruled out for three months.
Arsenal’s official website shared on Wednesday morning that Xhaka ‘suffered a significant injury to his medial knee ligament’ and is now facing a lengthy spell in the treatment room.
Xhaka, who only recently returned from suspension, hobbled off during Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Tottenham on Sunday.
It’s a body blow for the player because he produced an outstanding game during the North London derby.
Just as Arsenal were feeling positive vibes coming from their camp, after three Premier League wins on the bounce, they now have to deal with this bad news from inside the camp.
But Mikel Arteta has to take the positive outlook on all of this and the players that could possibly play instead of him.
Against Burnley, Thomas Partey played as the deepest midfielder, with Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe pushed up.
That was a more attack-minded XI and midfield, which Arsenal fans will want to see a lot more, no doubt.
Or with Xhaka’s absence, it could mean more game time for Albert Sambi Lokonga in the middle of the park or someone like Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Then there is teenager Charlie Patino, who failed to make the cut for the League Cup squad against Wimbledon, but he might get that extra push now.
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