EXILED Granit Xhaka has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Southampton this afternoon.
The Swiss midfielder, 27, has not played for this club since his astonishing “f*** off” rant at supporters against Crystal Palace.
Granit Xhaka is not in the matchday squad for Arsenal as they take on Southampton at the EmiratesCredit: Reuters
He was stripped of the captaincy and replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
And being left out today shows his Arsenal future remains in serious doubt, almost a month after the incident.
The latest snubbing comes just days after Xhaka revealed he wanted showdown talks with his employers.
He told Swiss broadcaster SRF: “I have a clear idea as to how things should proceed, and Arsenal know this as well.
“Although I still have a contract with them, I will be glad to return to the club – so we can finally sort matters out.
“There will surely be a solution – as I can’t accept what has happened with me.”
Emery said he is trying to convince the midfielder to stay at Arsenal and not leave in January.
The Spaniard is confident Xhaka is slowly coming around to the idea of an Arsenal return.
But the Gunners boss admits the player first needs to make his peace with supporters.
Emery said: “This morning at training I had a very good conversation with Granit and he wants to come back.
“He is feeling better and believes his team is Arsenal.
“He is a good guy and good player. He loves and respects Arsenal and knows that in one game he made a mistake.
“First of all, we do not forget his mistake. That is why I took the captaincy off him as it is better he does not have that responsibility.
“But he has told me he is very convinced to help the team and the objective I am working for is for Granit to have a long future with us.”
Against Southampton today, Aubameyang starts up front with Alexandre Lacazette with Mesut Ozil supporting the pair in the No10 role.
Emery has gone with a back three of Calum Chambers, David Luiz and Sokratis in front of Bernd Leno.
Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney start as the wing-backs for the first time together in the Premier League while the midfield duo of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi will surely please Gunners supporters.
Unai Emery opted for Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira in the middle of the park with Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney at wing-backs
Arsenal manager Unai Emery says that Granit Xhaka could be welcomed back as long as he doesn’t forget his mistake
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
