Journalist Charles Watts has said that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will be available to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The £30 million (Sky Sports) man was excluded from the matchday squad that featured against Southampton due to illness as his side succumbed to a 3-3 draw.
As Arsenal gear themselves up to lock horns against Manchester City, Granit Xhaka is expected to feature in some capacity.
Charles Watts delivers positive Granit Xhaka update ahead of Manchester City vs Arsenal
In the build-up to a game that could decide the title race, much of the talk has been centred around William Saliba’s unavailability due to injury.
With Rob Holding struggling to look the part in the Frenchman’s absence, Gunners supporters are wary of how the English defender will fare against the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland.
However, as the daunting task of playing against Manchester City away from home awaits Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has been deemed fit and available.
“Team news wise, Granit Xhaka is there, he is available, he has travelled. That is good news because he missed the game against Southampton on Friday with illness”, Charles Watts said on his YouTube channel.
“Mikel [Arteta] was doing the mind games or whatever you want to call it when saying he’s a doubt yesterday, but the expectation was that he was going to play and he was going to be fine and I’m fully expecting Granit Xhaka to start.”
HITC View: Hugely positive news for Arsenal
Arsenal fans can collectively let out a sigh of relief as the absence of Granit Xhaka would undoubtedly have hurt them against Manchester City.
Fabio Vieira is still a raw prospect, as it was evident to see against Southampton while a double pivot of Jorginho and Thomas Partey would have been far too defensive.
Xhaka’s intelligent third man runs, ability to effortlessly break the lines and undeniable experience makes him a crucial figure in such contests.
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