Arteta explains Xhaka absence ahead of Southampton and Man City clashes

Mikel Arteta explained why Granit Xhaka was absent from Arsenal’s starting XI against Southampton.

The Gunners take on bottom-club Southampton on Friday, hoping to extend their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points over Manchester City.

Of course, should Arsenal claim a win against the Saint as expected, Arteta’s men travel to the Etihad on Wednesday knowing that another three points could see them on course to claiming their first Premier League in 19 years.

However, upon the team sheet coming out for the Southampton encounter, Arsenal fans were surprised to see Xhaka absent from the squad altogether, with Fabio Vieira starting in his place.

Arteta explained before kick-off why the Swiss international was not featuring.

Arteta on Xhaka absence

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s clash with relegation-threatened Southampton, Arteta explained Xhaka’s absence.

Elsewhere, Oleksandr Zinchenko was deemed fit to start, having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with West Ham game with a groin injury.

On the two major morsels of team news, the Spaniard said: "Yeah, Oleksandr trained yesterday. He felt good so that's good news for the team.

"Unfortunately Granit we lost him this morning. He was not well. He could not even be in the the hotel with us so he's out of the team."

Arteta added: "We are really excited to play on a Friday night, at the Emirates, with our crowd, the way they are. I'm really excited."

Meanwhile, William Saliba was missing from the squad with a back injury, as expected. The Frenchman is now a major doubt for Arsenal's heavy-weight meeting with City next week.