Turns out Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was playing his cards close to his chest with regard to Granit Xhaka's availability against Manchester City.
Whilst confirming William Saliba's absence, the Spaniard refused to reveal if the Gunners' vice-captain was in line for a swift return after missing the 3-3 draw at home to Southampton last Friday night - the first Premier League game he has sat out this season - because of illness.
"Granit has been out," Arteta said in the pre-match press conference. "Hopefully, he'll be able to train today but he's still a doubt." Interestingly in the training images released by Arsenal later in the day, there was no sign of Xhaka which immediately cast even further doubt on his involvement at the Etihad Stadium.
