Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Granit Xhaka will return from injury sooner than expected. Swiss midfielder Xhaka has been out with a medial knee ligament injury since the 3-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham in September. In his absence, the Gunners have put together a solid run of form. The London football team is currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, just three points outside of the Champions League places.
Arteta gave a favorable report on Xhaka’s rehabilitation ahead of his team’s match against Newcastle on Saturday. He said at a press conference: “Hopefully he will be a little bit sooner than expected. He is training and pushing himself and all the staff so hard like he always does.”
“He is in a good place, he is evolving well and hopefully we can have him a little bit earlier. It is still a bit early to decide,” Arteta added. If his recovery continues to go well, Xhaka could provide Arsenal with a welcome fitness boost before the end of the year. The former Borussia Monchengladbach star’s return comes at a perfect time with Partey and Mohamed Elneny set to be involved in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Originally it had been feared that the Switzerland international would not be back until the New Year, but Arsenal is now hoping he could return before the end of December if his recovery continues to progress well.
