GRANIT Xhaka is back in the gym less than three weeks after hobbling off in the North London derby win against Tottenham.
The 29-year-old was initially ruled out for three months with a knee injury – but is working in the gym at Arsenal’s London Colney base in a bid to make a return as soon as possible.
In a post to his 2.2million Instagram followers, the Swiss international shared pictures of him exercising his injured knee while wearing a brace.
And he simply captioned it: “Work mode.”
The midfielder suffered damage to his medial ligament after an accidental clash with Lucas Moura in September.
Arsenal confirmed the news in an official statement on September 29, giving a three-month timeline for Xhaka’s return.
Were he to stick to that schedule exactly he would theoretically return for the Boxing Day trip to Norwich, or the home game against Wolves on December 28.
But it’s still too early for an exact return date.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash against Crytal Palace, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Granit is progressing really well but obviously we know it is a long-term injury unfortunately and he’s not going to be available.”
He went on to admit he was unsure exactly when Xhaka would return, saying: “With Granit, I don’t know, but I’m sure that if you tell him three [months], he will be thinking two [months].
“He will be trying to do extra work to try to minimise that time, that’s for sure.
“We have to do it in the right way because it’s a significant injury and we want to have him back properly when he can.”
Xhaka’s continued absence is a blow to Arteta as the Gunners go into a busy period ahead of the next international break at the beginning of November.
Arteta’s side host Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in their next two games, before the Carabao Cup last-16 clash against Leeds.
A tricky trip to Leicester follows, with Watford then the visitors to the Emirates – all within the next month.
And Xhaka’s injury came at a time when the Gunners were just starting to build momentum.
After finding themselves BOTTOM of the Premier League table after three games Arteta’s side are unbeaten in their last four in the league – conceding just once in that period.
It’s seen the North Londoners jump to eleventh in the table heading into matchday eight of the campaign.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
