Granit Xhaka Injury Update: Sunderland Captain to Miss Arsenal Reunion
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that influential midfielder Granit Xhaka will miss this weekend's Premier League clash against his former club Arsenal due to an ongoing ankle injury. The 33-year-old Swiss international has been a revelation since joining the Black Cats last summer, playing a pivotal role in their impressive return to the top flight.
Recovery Progress and Timeline
Xhaka sustained the ankle injury during Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace and has subsequently missed matches against West Ham United and Burnley. While Le Bris reports that Xhaka is making positive strides in his rehabilitation, including running on a treadmill, the manager hinted that his captain faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to reports from The Sunderland Echo, the midfielder may still be several weeks away from full fitness, dealing a significant blow to Sunderland's aspirations for European qualification this season. From a personal perspective, Xhaka will be disappointed to miss the opportunity to play at the Emirates Stadium, his former home ground.
Le Bris on Xhaka's Absence and Team Mindset
When asked about the scan results on Xhaka's ankle, Le Bris told reporters: "Not yet but he's going well. He ran on the treadmill today so that's positive." Addressing whether Xhaka's break could be beneficial, the French coach added: "It's tough to answer because he's a really good player. When we have our best players on the pitch, things are better for the team."
Le Bris emphasised the need for other players to step up, stating: "For the players in that part of the pitch, it's an opportunity to step up and show their qualities." He expressed hope for Xhaka's swift recovery, saying: "I hope he will recover quickly in the spring and the end of the season to have the best version of Granit with us."
Sunderland's Approach to the Arsenal Challenge
Looking ahead to the match against league leaders Arsenal, Le Bris reflected on the teams' previous encounter—a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light in November. He outlined the mindset required: "[We learned] that we have to show the best version of Sunderland with the underdog mindset."
Praising Arsenal's current form, Le Bris noted: "They are playing at a huge level. They are impressive in the Premier League, outstanding in the Champions League and they are probably one of the best teams in Europe at the minute." He described the fixture as a tough but exciting challenge, acknowledging the high level expected.
Embracing Sunderland's status as underdogs, Le Bris explained: "Yeah, for sure, because we are a newly promoted side. If we keep this mindset, we stay humble, we know that we have to be strong on our key pillars otherwise the level is too high and you get punished really quickly."
He hopes his players display the same confidence and belief they have shown throughout the campaign, adding: "It's still possible if you believe that it's possible so you have to have this confidence, this belief against these kind of teams."
