GRANIT XHAKA returns for Arsenal tonight at the Emirates – a month after his row with fans.
The Swiss midfielder clashed with Gunners supporters during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the end of last month.
Granit Xhaka will start for Arsenal for the first time in a month after his row with fansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Xhaka looked to have sworn at fans while cupping his ears as he strolled off the pitch to be substituted.
The civil war saw the midfielder stripped of captaincy and hasn’t played since.
Tonight, against Frankfurt in the Europa League, marks his comeback in the squad after 31 days of being frozen out.
Arsenal start with a back three of Sokratis, Mustafi, and David Luiz with Calum Chambers and Kieran Tierney taking up rolls as full-backs.
Joe Willock partners rebel Xhaka in midfield with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the man who replaced Xhaka as skipper – lead the line.
Pressure is mounting on under-fire boss Unai Emery but the Spaniard can take confidence going into tonight’s Europa League clash against Frankfurt at the Emirates.
Arsenal won the reverse fixture in Germany 3-0, and have only dropped two points in their four Group F matches, a 1-1 draw at Vitoria.
But in the league Emery’s men have been held to draws at home against Crystal Palace, Wolves and the Saints since they last picked up three points.
And skipper Aubameyang has demanded the Emirates becomes a fortress.
He said: “We have to make our home a difficult place for our opponents to visit – we have drawn too many games here this season.
“When we are playing, we are the first to be disappointed when it doesn’t work.
“I know we have the quality in this squad, and if we want to come back stronger, then we have to fight for it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
