Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been ruled out for three months after suffering an injury during their 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Gunners utterly dominated their north London rivals in all aspects of the game. As things stand, they have leaped ahead of Spurs in the Premier League standings on goal difference. The midfield pivot between Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey played a huge role in their scintillating performance.
The pair were fantastic in the derby and compliment each other’s game really well. While Xhaka breaks up play, Partey advances forward with the ball to turn defense into attack. However, it seems like it will be few more weeks before the pair start a game together again.
According to a statement released by Arsenal, the Switzerland international has suffered a significant injury to his medial knee ligament on Sunday. They also confirmed that his rehabilitation program will begin immediately and are intending to bring him back to action in approximately three months.
Although some fans have been skeptical about Xhaka’s role in the team, most of them were quick to wish him a speedy recovery. Some of them were gutted on hearing the news. This is how they reacted on Twitter:
We are finished if Partey gets injured. Sambi AMN and Elneny🤕, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that
— Le Professeur (@nolimitafc) September 29, 2021
Huge blow..
— Efozzymomoh (@Efozzymomoh1) September 29, 2021
Oh, no. Mean he won’t play this year. Wish him a speedy recovery. Now Lokonga and AMN will get their chances for play more games COYG
— Craig 🏴 (@KentEngland77) September 29, 2021
Big big shame and he’ll be missed
— tan96 (@thecarintake) September 29, 2021
Just when Arteta had his best team playing one game, one of the crucial players in his system is now injured. Really really need Lokonga or someone else to improve and take up that responsibility!
— Abraham (@Abraham_of_beth) September 29, 2021
It is lokonga time then…
— Ethiopian Gooner🇪🇹🔴⚪🔴⚽️ (@EthiopiaGooner) September 29, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
The 29-year-old has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team and this news will be a massive setback for the team. He is also a versatile player, providing a much-needed depth in the squad and was arguably the club’s best midfielder last season.
Xhaka will not only be missed for his performances on the pitch but also off it, as he is one of the most senior players at Arsenal and a leader in the dressing room. Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are possible replacements for the Swiss. Lokonga is likely to return to the starting lineup after impressive displays during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners face a tough test this weekend as they travel to the AMEX Stadium to face Brighton, who are off to a flying start this season. They will have to replicate their Derby day brilliance to secure a positive result over the Seagulls.
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