Xhaka not ‘100 percent’ ready for Premier League return as Arteta makes late line-up decision

With just over 24 hours to go until Arsenal return to Premier League action versus Manchester City, head coach Mikel Arteta is believed to have made a late decision on his line-up.

While the Gunners have been preparing for the fixture in training and with warm-up friendlies versus Charlton and Brentford, there have been concerns surrounding Granit Xhaka’s availability due to his absence in both matches.

According to John Cross (via the Mirror), the 27-year-old missed both fixtures because he has been managing an undisclosed issue. But the midfielder has continued to train with his teammates ahead of the club’s return to action.

It will reportedly be down to Arteta and whether he believes Xhaka is match sharp.

Cross says the midfielder is currently expected to start for the Gunners versus the Citizens unless there are any further issues that he has to deal with.

Elsewhere, the report claims that on loan midfielder Dani Ceballos will return to action and partner Xhaka in midfield while Mesut Ozil will start further forward in his favoured role.

Arsenal return to action tomorrow when they travel to Manchester to face Manchester City. The fixture will kick off at 8.15pm (BST).