Granit Xhaka hints at Arsenal start ahead of Man City clash in social media post

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has hinted that he could be in line for a start against Manchester City.

The Gunners travel to the Etihad for a mouth-watering contest on Wednesday evening.

And Mikel Arteta will know anything but three points will gift City the opportunity to go in front in the Premier League table.

One must rewind to 2015 for when Arsenal last recorded a victory at the Etihad. Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud were on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win that day.

However, circumstances have never been quite so dramatic as these, with the Premier League title seemingly on the line.

Arteta recently revealed concern over Xhaka's availability for the match-up, although his recent social media post would suggest he is raring to go.

Xhaka hints at Arsenal start

Xhaka missed Friday's 3-3 draw with Southampton through illness, with the Switzerland international sorely missed in the middle of the park.

Fabio Vieira started in his place, though struggled to match the 30-year-old's physicality.

Arteta cast doubt over whether Xhaka would be fit in time to face Manchester City, stating he would be assessed before the game.

However, the former Borussia Monchengladbach player was spotted arriving at Arsenal's hotel in Manchester, suggesting is available to play.

Xhaka has since taken to social media to get fans pumped for Wednesday's clash.

The midfielder posted a video montage on Instagram which outlined the details of the game accompanied by three images of himself.

The post would suggest he will be involved at the Etihad, though whether that will be from the start remains to be seen.

Indeed, if he is fully fit, Arteta will be keen to use him from the get-go, with Xhaka having been useful at both ends of the pitch this term.

It is his best scoring season in an Arsenal shirt having scored seven goals and provided five assists across all competitions this term.

Topics: Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Mikel Arteta

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno