Xuenou > Sports > Granit Xhaka sick on pitch and forced off for Arsenal just a week before the World Cup
Granit Xhaka sick on pitch and forced off for Arsenal just a week before the World Cup
Granit Xhaka sick on pitch and forced off for Arsenal just a week before the World Cup,Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Wolves while there are worries over Granir Xhaka's fitness

Granit Xhaka sick on pitch and forced off for Arsenal just a week before the World Cup

Granit Xhaka has given Switzerland a major worry ahead of the World Cup after vomiting on the pitch on Saturday night.

The incident occurred when Arsenal took on Wolves at the Molineux in the Premier League while the midfielder needed immediate treatment just 15 minutes into the contest.

Just moments after kick-off, Xhaka was down and needed medical attention but vowed to continue, however, that only last a matter of minutes. It left Mikel Arteta no choice but to pull the Switzerland international off – even throwing up on the pitch as whatever hit the player took its toll.

READ MORE: Two things Mikel Arteta got right and two he got wrong as Arsenal beat Wolves

Fabio Vieira took his place and Arteta will be thankful that Xhaka's absence did not affect Arsenal's flow too much. Martin Odegaard bagged a double to continue their fine form and move them five points clear of Manchester City over the World Cup break.

And Arteta might be glad that the Qatari competition has come right now while Switzerland would have watched on with wary eyes. Xhaka has become an integral part of Arsenal's system, starting every Premier League match this season.

While the 30-year-old is one of the first names on the teamsheet for his country as well, who will be travelling to the Middle East to compete in this year's World Cup.

Granit Xhaka had to leave the pitch after throwing up just minutes into the Arsenal match
Granit Xhaka had to leave the pitch after throwing up just minutes into the Arsenal match

Xhaka is Switzerland's captain, while the European nation will face favourites Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon in the group stage this year and will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Arteta spoke up about the incident in his press conference to quell Swiss fears.

The Gunners boss said: "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."

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