Granit Xhaka makes shock return to Arsenal XI MONTH early from knee injury as he is included in squad at Everton
GRANIT XHAKA has made an incredible return from a knee injury to START for Arsenal at Everton tonight.
The Switzerland midfielder was expected to be ruled out well into the New Year.
He picked up the problem after being clattered during the North London Derby back in September.
But he returned to full first-team training earlier this week, after stunning medics with his recovery.
And he has made a surprising comeback away at the Toffees tonight, starting in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Xhaka, 29, partners Thomas Partey at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
The midfield bruiser had made just four Premier League appearances this season prior to his injury.
These began with three consecutive defeats culminating in his red card at Manchester City.
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He subsequently missed victories over Norwich and Burnley, before returning against Spurs.
Aaron Ramsdale is between the sticks for Mikel Arteta’s men tonight.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is at right-back, while Kieran Tierney returns at left-back – with Ben White and Gabriel in the middle.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli start in front of Partey and Xhaka – with Emile Smith Rowe missing out with a knock.
Alex Lacazette is up top, with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to the bench.
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