Granit Xhaka: Arsenal boss Unai Emery says Swiss could feature against Southampton despite fallout with fans

- Granit Xhaka has been frozen out of the Arsenal squad since his bust-up with fans in October

- Manager Unai Emery now believes the Swiss still has a lifeline at Arsenal

- Gunners face Southampton on Saturday, November 23, and Emery wants fans to warm up to the prospect of Xhaka in the squad

Embattled Granit Xhaka could potentially make a sensational return to the Arsenal squad according to boss Unai Emery.

Emery, during a press conference on Thursday, November 21, said the 27-year old still has the chance to win back fans in the Gunners match against Southampton.

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The Swiss international has not featured for Arsenal since he was substituted against Crystal Palace in October, with reports linking him with a move away from the Emirates in January.

He was booed by his own fans during the Crystal Palace game and amid all the frustration, he seemed to swear at the fans.

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Emery suggested he was trying to re-integrate the defensive midfielder back into the squad, but was still wary of the fact that fans should not forget how he acted.

"The first question is don’t forget his mistake, but he can come back showing his commitment, his good behaviour and good performances, helping and defending the Arsenal team,” the Arsenal boss said.

According to Emery, all Xhaka had to do at this point was to try and establish a fresh relationship with the fans.

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"Now he is feeling better and also he is feeling that he can come back helping us and also can come back connecting with the team and connecting with the supporters,” he went on.

The Arsenal boss used fullback Hector Bellerin as an example of how a player should behave if one wants to reclaim the place back in the squad.

"For example with Hector Bellerin. He told me two weeks ago he struggled here with the supporters sometimes when his performance was not the best. Also we have some other players who have had that situation. They come back. They come back,” he said.

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As far as Arsenal’s form is concerned, fans will be demanding nothing short of a win against the Saints on Saturday.

The game at the Emirates provides the perfect chance for Emery to end a torrid run of four games without victory.

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