Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka smiles in training as he prepares for return vs Vitoria after fan row

GRANIT XHAKA has taken a big step towards putting his 'f** off' rant at Arsenal fans smiles behind him.

The club skipper grinned and looked relaxed in training ahead of his expected recall for Wednesday afternoon's Europa League clash at Portuguese side Vitoria.

Under-fire Emirates boss Unai Emery left Xhaka out of the past two games following an outburst for which the midfielder has finally apologised.

Switzerland captain Xhaka admitted reaching "boiling point" - after sick abuse online - when some supporters booed him as he was taken off in last week's 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace.

But on Tuesday the 27-year-old seemed at peace as Emery's men prepared for a tie from which a fourth straight group win will book their places in the KO stage.

German playmaker Mesut Ozil appeared just as happy, having played the last matches, albeit failing to inspire victory in Saturday's tame 1-1 home stalemate with Wolves.

GRANIT SET TO START

Xhaka was slated for his exit against Palace on October 27 as he cupped his ears to taunting fans and stormed down the tunnel.

But after initially refusing to say sorry, he said: "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."

Now both Xhaka and Emery believe the anchorman can put the turmoil behind him enough to start at Vitoria, with 18-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli tipped to be the sole striker.