Under-fire skipper Granit Xhaka will not play in Arsenal’s game at home to Wolves on Saturday, according to manager Unai Emery. The Swiss international midfielder was booed as walked off the field while being substituted against Crystal Palace on Sunday. He responded by sarcastically applauding the fans and swearing before he stormed off down the tunnel.
Xhaka was widely criticised for his actions and was left out of the Carabao Cup last-16 match against Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
However, late on Thursday night, he issued a statement explaining his actions, saying the abuse he and his family were receiving had become too much and he was simply expressing his frustration.
Emery, though, is still not going to consider the 27-year-old for selection for the Wolves clash. “The first is the person, the human. Like everyone he feels, Xhaka, with his issues, needs time to recover normality,” the Spaniard said. “It is not in my mind that he will play tomorrow. I am thinking tomorrow he is not going to play.”
Otherwise, there are no new problems to contend with and the boss has plenty to ponder for Saturday.
Mesut Ozil has not featured in the Premier League since their 2-2 draw with Watford in September when he was substituted after 71 minutes.
Gabriel Martinelli could be given a chance in the Premier League, having scored seven goals in four EFL Cup and Europa League appearances.
Wolves will be without Willy Boly long term after undergoing surgery on a leg injury. The defender suffered a cracked shin bone in training ahead of last Sunday’s game against Newcastle.
He faces six weeks in a protective boot before any timescale can be put on his return to action.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to revert to the same side which played Newcastle, having made 11 changes for their 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
Defender Ryan Bennett is still not ready to come back into the side after a groin injury.
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