Xhaka return close: Ornstein

David Ornstein has reported that he believes Arsenal are close to having Granit Xhaka back in the team.

“Yes, I do (think Xhaka will play for Arsenal soon),” Ornstein said. “I think Arsenal would like to reintegrate him into the side. They feel that they’ve suffered in his absence, the balance of the team, the cover that he provides to the defence.

“I think they’ll look to reintegrate him in an away match, rather than a home match, given what’s happened before. But the idea that he’s played his last match for Arsenal, I’m now dissuaded from.”

Midfield injuries to Joe Willock and Dani Ceballos has forced Arsenal’s hand even more since they only have Guendozi and Torreira as genuine midfield players. 

“I’m also keen to point out that people within the club thought really highly of him in terms of his role in the team and around the club,” Ornstein went on.

“Even when he was really being slated widely, people inside the club were telling me ‘you don’t realise how important he is to the team, the structure, the balance, the understanding of tactics’.”

Do you want Xhaka back?

See More: Top 5 Arsenal Goalkeepers With Most Clean Sheets Of All Time