Arsenal handed Granit Xhaka team selection boost ahead of Chelsea and Man United fixtures

Erling Haaland makes big Chelsea Champions League claim ahead of summer transfer decision

Conte after Brighton beat Tottenham

Thomas Tuchel Offers A Fresh Update On Chelsea's Takeover

Mikel Arteta reflects on defeat to Southampton

Ralph Hasenhüttl Gives Fresh Update On Future Of Chelsea's Armando Broja Cfc

Southampton 1-0 Arsenal in pictures

Mikel Arteta Assesses The Top Four Race Ahead Of Visit To Southampton

With Thomas Partey expected to miss the remainder of the season through injury, Granit Xhaka's importance to the Arsenal midfield can not be understated in their quest to win the top-four battle and seal a long-awaited return to the Champions League.

Partey last featured for the Gunners at the beginning of the month as his first appearance since leading Ghana to the World Cup ended prematurely as he was withdrawn in the second half against Crystal Palace with a thigh injury. And despite there being the hope of him returning before the season concludes, Mikel Arteta has hinted that will not be the case.

"The news that we got after having another assessment is not great," the Arsenal manager said in his pre-match press conference for the Southampton clash. "It’s not looking very positive for his availability this season, but we’ll have to wait and see. He’s trying to get back as quick as possible but at the moment we are not very optimistic about it."

Ben White makes Mikel Arteta fume as Bukayo Saka leaves Arsenal to regret transfer decision

Assuming Partey doesn't kick another ball for Arsenal this season, Arteta is going to have to find a solution to ensure his side doesn't continue to miss the absence of the Ghana international. Against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, the Spaniard's plan backfired