Arsenal news: Granit Xhaka is set to fly straight to Dubai to meet up with the Gunners (Image: GETTY)
Granit Xhaka will head straight to Dubai to meet up with the Arsenal squad following Switzerland's exit from the World Cup. The midfielder is determined to pick up from where he left off with his club form.
Switzerland were smashed 6-1 by Portugal in the round of 16 in Qatar on Tuesday. A Goncalo Ramos hat-trick helped condemn them to an early exit.
Xhaka played every minute of his country's four matches at the tournament, so he couldn't be begrudged a small break away from the game. Gunners team-mate Takehiro Tomiyasu will be doing just that, insisting earlier this week that he wants a rest.
But Xhaka will not be copying the Japan star. He has told reporters that he will fly straight to Dubai to join the Arsenal squad who are preparing to play a couple of friendlies.
Xhaka said: "Of course, emotionally it is not easy. But this is part of our business, part of football.
"You have to recover well. The Premier League is waiting and, of course, I wanted to be here longer than this. But we lost the game today and I am happy to go back now with the team.
"I have something to achieve there, and I know the team is in Dubai at the moment doing the pre-season. I’m flying back to Dubai, going back to the team, and going back to the training and trying to forget the tournament now.”
Tomiyasu gave a completely different verdict when he spoke to the media on Monday following Japan's penalty shootout defeat to Croatia. He insisted he wants a complete break from football for a while.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Arsenal news: Takehiro Tomiyasu wants a break following his exit from the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Asked when he will rejoin the Arsenal squad, Tomiyasu said: "I don’t know. Hopefully, I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time."
Arsenal play Lyon on Thursday before a clash with AC Milan next Tuesday. Juventus travel to the Emirates the following Saturday for a friendly before Premier League action resumes on Boxing Day with a home match against West Ham.
Xhaka has been a vital part of Arsenal's success so far this season. He has started every league match and has become something of a fan favourite.
Tomiyasu has lost his regular spot at right-back to Ben White. However, White left the England squad due to personal reasons so Arteta will be hopeful to have at least one of them available against the Hammers.
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our new Facebook group by clicking here