Mikel Arteta has revealed that Granit Xhaka's early substitution in Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves was due to a stomach bug going around the Arsenal dressing room.
The 30-year-old midfielder was subbed off just 16 minutes into the match at Molineux, with Switzerland's first World Cup fixture just 12 days away. Fortunately, Arteta reckons that Xhaka will be fine to captain his country in Qatar as he said: "He's okay. We had a few boys with some tummy issues but I'm delighted that we adapted to those circumstances and managed to win the game."
Elaborating on the Swiss' situation when speaking to Sky Sports, the Gunners boss said: "He wasn't feeling good, he was sick and he could not carry on. Unfortunately, we have another four players with the same symptoms. So, I don't know what exactly happened.
"There were a few players who were not feeling great but obviously make three or four substitutions at that period. The good thing is that under any context with difficultly, away from home every three days, [the players] still come here and manage to play well."
Arteta was otherwise delighted with his side's performance and the result which means they'll spend the World Cup five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. "Today was about being very patient, the game they proposed made it difficult with very little space," the Spaniard explained.
"It was frustrating because they were waiting on that mistake to catch us on the break The speed, the purpose and the courage to take more initiative was much better in the second half and then they won the game. The whole week there's been a lot of talk about individuals and about us collectively.
Have your say! Do Arsenal have what it takes to win the Premier League? Join the debate in the comments section.
"Mentally it was a tricky one, but that's the mentality you have to have when you're at the top. Our focus is to be better everyday and we still have things to improve.
"It's been a long time since we've been in this position, it's a full transformation from the fans energy and passion that they've transmitted to these players. The unity from the top to every single member of the team and the staff, they [the fans] are the soul of this football club."
Arsenal only play two more competitive matches before the turn of the year, firstly a clash with West Ham United on Boxing Day in front of what should be a buoyant Emirates crowd. Then the Gunners end 2022 with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion - who knocked the table-toppers out of the EFL Cup this week - on New Year's Eve.
