Arsenal are without midfield star Granit Xhaka for their clash against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. The Swiss international is absent for the key match as Fabio Vieira is drafted in to fulfill his role in a match that could see the side extend their lead at the top of the table.
The current gap sits at four points to second-placed Manchester City, however they have played a game extra over their rivals. That will become two after the match, with the Cityzens in cup action this weekend, though it could become an opportunity to get valuable points on the board before a head-to-head next week.
The absence of Xhaka may be felt though, given his resurgence into form over the season with his move into a move advanced role on the left. The midfielder is out of the squad due to illness and there will be concern over whether he will be available for the clash with Man City next week.
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Vieira has been given the task of playing during Xhaka's absence, with Mikel Arteta telling Sky Sports: "Very different qualities, this morning unfortunately Granit [Xhaka] wasn’t feeling well so we had to get him out of the squad. That’s why we signed a player like Fabio [Vieira] - very different qualities, much more attacking player, much more of a pocket player, excited to see him in the starting line-up."
The huge match against City on the horizon has been labelled by some as a title decider, with there already being doubts over whether key defender William Saliba will be available as well. The Frenchman has been struggling with a back injury problem since the Europa League tie against Sporting CP and hasn't featured for the side since.
It remains to be seen if the youngster will be involved, but it would be a double blow for the Gunners if he were to miss the tie while doubts hang over the return of Xhaka before next week.
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