Wenger: Why I need to speak to Xhaka

Arsene Wenger has admitted that he will have to hold a discussion with Granit Xhaka after his sending off against Swansea City.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach skipper maintained a reputation of being likely to be sent off in games during his four years in the Bundesliga.

Xhaka only recently secured a starting place in Arsenal’s starting line-up after an injury to Francis Coquelin but he will be back in the dug-out next week after receiving a red card in the 3-2 victory over Swansea City.

The controversial decision from the referee did not manage to cost the Gunners a victory on Saturday but Wenger insists he will soon be lecturing Xhaka about any disciplinary concerns.

“Not yet, no.” Wenger responded when asked if he had already spoken to the 24-year-old

“Before, in Germany, he had some [red cards] but I don’t think he’s a dirty player at all.Sometimes there have been some clumsy tackles, because he’s not a natural defender, he’s a guy who likes to play forward.

“I will speak to him. I think Barrow made a lot of it as well, because he could go on.

“But the referee saw a bad tackle and you have to respect that. It is what it is, and he has to learn from it.”

Xhaka will now be suspended for the next three Premier League games but Arsenal have Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny as cover for the Swiss international.