Granit Xhaka makes shock return to Arsenal side a MONTH early from knee injury as he is included in team at Everton
GRANIT XHAKA made an incredible return from a knee injury to START for Arsenal at Everton on Monday.
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 made a surprising comeback away at the Toffees, starting in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Arsenal were beaten by a stunning late strike from Demarai Gray having taken the lead.
Xhaka, 29, partnered 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 started between the sticks for Mikel Arteta’s men on Monday night.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was at right-back, while Kieran Tierney returned at left-back – with Ben White and Gabriel in the middle.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli started in front of Partey and Xhaka – with Emile Smith Rowe missing out with a knock.
Alex Lacazette got the nod up top, with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to the bench.
But the Gunners were sent to a third straight away defeat having lost at Liverpool and Manchester United.
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