Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is currently on international duty and according to the latest reports, he has tested positive for COVID.
The Swiss FA have confirmed this news meaning the28-year-old is expected to miss all the national team games during the break.
“Xhaka was diagnosed with symptoms on the morning of the game and was immediately isolated in his room,” said a Swiss Football Association statement, as per Reuters.
“A rapid test turned out negative, the subsequent PCR test, carried out to be on the safe side, produced a positive result in the evening.”
Several players have been missing games for their respective clubs this season due to COVID and Arsenal themselves had suffered a minor outbreak in their camp a few weeks ago.
But the major problem is that Granit Xhaka is one of the rare players who is not vaccinated.
“Granit Xhaka was not vaccinated,” Swiss FA head of communications Adrian Arnold confirmed, as quoted.
Granit Xhaka is the first Premier League player confirmed to have turned down COVID-19 vaccine.https://t.co/nSTY15G94T
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 2, 2021
“He’s a player who isn’t vaccinated. We left this up to each player, it’s a personal decision of each player – just like any other person in Switzerland.
“We have issued a recommendation that everyone vaccinate. But he decided for himself personally. And it is also his right not to be vaccinated.”
Granit Xhaka COVID is bad news for Arsenal?
On a personal front, it will obviously be a big setback that one of his key players is out with COVID but on the selection front, Mikel Arteta should not be too worried.
The midfielder had picked up a red card against Manchester City so he is already suspended. And by the time he recovers from the disease, Xhaka should have come out of his suspension as well.
Thomas Partey has been out with an ankle injury but the Arsenal boss should see him return to action right after the international break meaning the 28-year-old will come straight back into midfield when the Gunners take on Norwich City.
With Thomas coming back into the starting XI, Xhaka’s presence should not be missed as Lokonga is also expected to start after being benched vs Man City.
