Arsenal's Granit Xhaka to miss Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool clashes

Arsenal will be forced to cope without Granit Xhaka for their crunch clashes with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool following his sending-off on Thursday night.

The Switzerland captain returned to the first XI for his side's EFL Cup semi-final first leg with the Reds after recovering from a bout of COVID-19.

However, Xhaka received his fifth Arsenal red card in all competitions before the 30-minute mark after catching Diogo Jota - who was clean through - with a boot to the chest.

Michael Oliver did not hesitate to brandish a straight red card, meaning that Xhaka will now serve a three-game domestic ban, starting with Sunday's North London derby.

The 29-year-old will also miss the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at the Emirates next week, and he will complete his suspension against Burnley on January 23.

Xhaka's sending-off leaves Albert Sambi Lokonga as Arteta's only fit senior midfielder, with 18-year-old Charlie Patino representing an emergency option.