This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
October 27, 2019: Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has requested not to be selected for the Premier League match against Leicester City, citing he is not in the right frame of mind to play.
Following an angry reaction to being substituted during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium last month, Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy.
With on-loan midfielder Dani Ceballos injured and unavailable, manager Unai Emery stated that Xhaka is not in his plans, but Mesut Ozil, who has played only twice in the league this season, is in contention.
"I spoke with him (Xhaka) on Tuesday, for how he is feeling now and his mind, because he is working well and training well. But he said he can’t play at the moment and we are going to wait," Emery told reporters.
Emery also expressed his confidence in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has taken over as captain, citing his experience and respect within the dressing room.
"Aubameyang is first (captain) because he is experienced and he has the respect of the dressing room," Emery said.
