Emery reveals 27-year-old’s desire to make Arsenal return
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed that his midfield options is likely to be bolstered soon ahead of the clash with Southampton in the Premier League this weekend.
The Gunners have had better luck with injuries this season but their form has certainly not gotten better with a gap now opening up between them and rivals Chelsea and Leicester City in the table.
Arsenal’s woeful form has not been helped at all by the recent controversy involving Granit Xhaka, who reacted angrily to being jeered during the draw against Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old has not featured for the Gunners ever since that incident which saw him issue a long apology to the supporters.
Xhaka’s place in midfield has been taken by Lucas Torreira in recent games but that could soon change.
According to Emery, the Switzerland international is now keen on making his return for Arsenal after previously appearing as though he was gone for good.
“He is coming back better in his mind, his mindset is better to help us and to be closer to playing when we need him,” Emery said, via Arsenal.com
“I spoke to him this morning and we had a very good conversation.
“He trained very well before the international break and he trained very well this morning. My objectives don’t change from when I spoke to you before. My objective is going to be his comeback to help us and convince every supporter of his commitment with us and his performances will be better and they will be proud of him in the short or long future with us. That is my objective, and what I am working towards.
“He is feeling better and also feeling that his team is Arsenal now. He wants to come back with confidence with the supporters, and we are going to decide. But I think little by little we can help him come back and connect with us and our supporters.
“We are going to decide tomorrow [whether he will be in the squad for Saturday] but I want to do that comeback, give him confidence and make him comfortable. And when we can connect with our supporters with a good moment and a good performance and being strong with them.”
