MIKEL ARTETA admitted he was ‘pretty worried’ after Granit Xhaka limped out of Arsenal’s 3-1 drubbing of Spurs.
The Switzerland international, 28, suffered a heavy knock late on during the Gunners’ big North London derby win.
Xhaka returned to the starting XI after completing a three-game ban for the red card he picked up against Manchester City last month.
And the midfielder showed no signs of rustiness as he put in a commanding display to help Arsenal establish a 3-0 lead at the Emirates.
Tottenham tried to reduce the deficit during the second half and managed to pull a goal back in the 78th minute through Son Heung-min.
But Xhaka was accidentally caught on the knee by Spurs ace Lucas Moura in the build-up to the goal.
And the Arsenal man couldn’t even brace himself for impact as he wasn’t looking at Moura when he was clattered.
Xhaka received medical treatment on the pitch and was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga, leaving his manager concerned.
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Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “Unfortunately he got injury and I’m pretty worried because it doesn’t look very positive at the moment.”
Xhaka was linked with a move away from the Emirates during the summer but has since had his contract extended to 2024 by the club.
He is now a doubt for Arsenal’s next Premier League game against Brighton at the Amex on Saturday evening.
Despite losing Xhaka, the Gunners managed to comfortably hold on and secure a 3-1 victory in the North London derby.
Goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka established an emphatic first-half lead for Arteta’s side.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was at the game and so was ex-skipper Tony Adams, who couldn’t contain his joy on punditry.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
