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.
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 Xhaka, 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.”
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 Xhakas 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 captains house on Sunday night to give him their personal support.
Full-backHector Bellerin took to Twitter to issue a rallying cryand was the first Gunners star to break their silence.
He said: We are all human, we have emotions and sometimes its not easy dealing with them.
Its 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, withPiers 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.
More to follow.
