Arteta hails Xhaka as Arsenal's trip to Sunderland looms

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Granit Xhaka ahead of Sunderland vs Arsenal 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been lauding former Gunners captain Granit Xhaka. 

With the table-topping North Londoners gearing up for the long-trip to the North East to take on promoted Sunderland, Arteta has been extolling Xhaka's virtues, after his six year stint at the Emirates between 2016 to 2023.

Speaking at London Colney on Friday morning, boss Arteta was highly complementary about Xhaka.

He said: "I loved every minute that we spent together.

"When he joined he was in a special moment in his life and his career.

"He made me a better coach, he helped us to develop as a football team and as a club and I will be eternally grateful."

Arteta was also asked if Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabi Martinelli and Noni Madueke were not available for the Sunderland clash.

"I cannot confirm all of that, but you are not far," Arteta answered.

When pressed if they could return for the North London derby (on Sunday, November 23), Arteta replied: "I think it will be really close for them to be in a strong position."

Arteta was also asked if fans fully appreciated Xhaka's contributions. He said: "I don't know certainly, internally he had a lot of love.

"One of those guys that can change a dressing room."

Arteta was quizzed on if he feels his Premier League leaders are getting enougn credit.

"It's not about credit, it's about doing it. And today train at our best," the Basque-born boss replied. 

Just before the press conference, the news broke that Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel had dropped Gunners teenage talent Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The 19-year-old left-back had been left out of England's forthcoming squad to face Serbia at Wembley next Thursday, prior to a trip to Tirana, where Tuchel's already-qualified England side will take on Albania a week on Sunday. 

When Arteta was asked if he needed to put an arm round Lewis-Skelly, he replied: "Yes for sure, we are here to support and to help each other and give a good perspective of the situation.

"So don't look at the one moment of what is happening for you because maybe today it is happening for the right reason."

Arteta also took time to praise Declan Rice, with the former West Ham midfielder, along with Bukayo Saka and Eberecie Eze picked by Tuchel. 

"He's been super consistent and playing at a high level," said Arteta, adding: "We see him impact the game in various ways and this is exactly what we want.

"His role in the team is growing in a really natural way."

The Gunners travel to Sunderland after an excellent 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League, with makeshift striker Mikel Merino grabbing a brace in the Czech capital. 

He added: "He's such a professional he can adapt to any position.

"He is a winner, when he does anything he wants to win."