As Arsenal continues to scramble for hope in desperation, they will be missing the likes of Granit Xhaka for two more games to arrive. The Gunners had a forgettable start to their Premier League campaign as they were humbled by Brentford who returned to the league of elites after almost 74 years.
The following game against European champions, Chelsea was nothing short of a disaster as they could barely find their footing at the Emirates. Despite managing to pump a 6-0 masterclass against West Brom in the Cup, they were once again humiliated in the following League encounter by reigning champions, Manchester City.
Xhaka’s tale of woes began here
To add to their woes against City, their star midfielder, Granit Xhaka was given marching orders after a rash tackle. It was a straight red card that resulted in a three-match ban for the Swiss international.
Arsenal will be next up against Burnley at Turf Moor, an outfit against whom the Gunners have failed to produce something significant under the chaperonage of Mike Arteta. They are hoping to gain some momentum in this fixture as at the end of this month, they will clash with their city rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
The FA rule that makes Xhaka available for the game against Spurs
To bloom a smile on the Arsenal fans’ faces, Xhaka will be available by that game as the FA rules state that the suspensions can be played out over both leagues and cups. Arsenal’s victory over Norwich was the first of the lot while their clash against Burnley will be the second.
The last match of the sequence will be Arsenal’s Carabao Cup battle against Wimbledon that will complete Xhaka’s ban.
However, it will be a tough call for Xhaka to get himself registered for the opening XI against Tottenham as Belgian wunderkind, Albert Sambi Lokonga and erstwhile Atlético Madrid midfielder, Thomas Partey will be the preferable starters.
