Granit Xhaka has made a prompt return from his post-Euro 2024 holidays, meaning he’s likely to be available to face Arsenal in next Wednesday’s friendly.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring the opening goal with his teammates during the German Cup (DFB-Pokal) final football match between 1 FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on May 25, 2024. (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Just three weeks after Switzerland’s elimination from Euro 2024, Granit Xhaka made his return to training with Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
Three weeks is usually considered the minimum for a summer holiday for a footballer, but there was never really any expectation that Xhaka would spend more time off than that.
The former Arsenal midfielder now has 10 days to get up to speed before the Gunners take on Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, August 7th at 18:00 BST.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with his teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Mainz 05 in Leverkusen, western Germany on February 23, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
The Emirates Stadium friendly has already sold out, with fans evidently keen to see Mikel Arteta’s side back in action again in north London.
Arsenal have only played one pre-season friendly in the UK so far, and it was a behind-closed-doors game against Leyton Orient.
Since then, the squad has been away in the United States for friendlies against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool, leaving most of the fans back in London watching on streams in the early hours of the morning.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus (C) celebrates with Martin Odegaard (2nd R) and teammates after scoring a goal during the pre-season club friendly football match between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on July 27, 2024. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
As well as simply getting the chance to watch Arsenal in action live again, there’s also the prospect of seeing a new signing or two.
Riccardo Calafiori should be available for action by then, and it’s not impossible a move for Mikel Merino could progress quickly to see him involved as well.
But on top of all that, the fans will be pleased to welcome Xhaka back for the evening, a year after his return to Germany following seven seasons in north London.
