the gran plan
‘Devastated’ Xhaka left out of Arsenal squad for Liverpool clash but ‘knows he was wrong’ over fan meltdown
UNAI EMERY has confirmed that under-fire Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka will not play against Liverpool.
The Gunners meet Jurgen Klopp's table toppers in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow night.
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Xhaka, 27, told fuming Arsenal fans to "f*** off" as he was subbed off in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
And Emery has said Mesut Ozil - who has played just two games all season - could wear the armband at Anfield.
Asked about keeping Xhaka on as captain, Emery, who confirmed it was always part of his plan to drop the Swiss midfielder, said: "First we recover him as a human.
"It is not easy for him and for the team. He is now devastated, sad. We spoke yesterday and Sunday night and this morning.
"He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about the situation.
"His commitment is great every time. He wants to help. His behaviour was perfect in training, with the group and club.
"He knows he was wrong and he feels inside, very deep.
"It's normal as a human. Every player needs the supporters' support. He is down."
Asked if Xhaka should apologise, Emery said: "Yes. I think when we make individual mistakes, we need to make apologies for one circumstance.
"We suggested to him he do it."
Emery added: "Individual circumstances like Sunday are coming because as a team we need to improve.
"We need to be more comfortable and transmit to the supporters and show a little better performance and result."
Xhaka is among a quartet of stars including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers and David Luiz who will not travel to Liverpool.
Arsenal have launched a disciplinary inquiry into Xhaka’s antics but any plans to strip him of the armband - given to him after a squad poll - could lead to a dressing-room revolt.
Lucas Torreira was almost in tears when Xhaka was booed off and at least two players visited the captain’s house on Sunday night to give him their personal support.
Full-back Hector Bellerin took to Twitter to issue a rallying cry and was the first Gunners star to break their silence.
He said: “We are all human, we have emotions and sometimes it’s not easy dealing with them.
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“It’s time to lift each other up, not push each other away. We only win when we are together.”
Unsurprisingly, Xhaka's move infuriated pundits and fans alike, with Piers Morgan labelling Xhaka an "absolute disgrace".
SunSport columnist Alan Shearer is unsure how the midfielder recovers from this - but knows saying sorry must be the starting point.
Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to 'f*** off' as captain is booed off pitch vs Palace
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