Granit Xhaka set to make Arsenal return against Vitoria in Europa League after telling fans to ‘f*** off’
ARSENAL midfielder Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to make his return to the side against Vitoria in the Europa League on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old has been left out of the last two matchday squads after he told fans to "f*** off" after being booed following his substitution against Crystal Palace last week.
Xhaka has been training despite being left out of the squad by Emery and now the Spanish boss is now ready to reintegrate the midfielder back into the team.
The Mirror have reported that Emery believes the upcoming clash away at Vitoria is the perfect opportunity for Xhaka to get some game time.
Arsenal can seal their place in the last-32 of the Europa League with a win against the Portuguese outfit having won their opening three group games.
Xhaka has been heavily criticised after he reacted angrily after being jeered by Gunners supporters at the Emirates, with the player cupping his ears to the fans before storming down the tunnel.
The Switzerland international has since apologised for his actions, where he revealed he reached "boiling point" after receiving sickening abuse online.
RETURN OF THE XHAK
He said: "After taking some time to reflect on what happened on Sunday afternoon, I would like to give you an explanation rather than just a quick response.
"The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and always give 100 per cent on and off the pitch.
"My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months have hurt me deeply.
"People have said things like 'We will break your legs', 'Kill your wife' and 'Wish that your daughter gets cancer'. That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium.
"In this situation, I let myself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support our club, our team and myself with positive energy.
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"That has not been my intention and I'm sorry if that's what people thought. My wish is that we get back to a place of mutual respect, remembering why we fell in love with this game in the first place.
"Let's move forward positively together."
Arsenal will not take disciplinary action against the ex-Basel star due to concerns they have over his fragile mental state.
