Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed he has been playing through Achilles pain for the past few weeks.
The 26-year-old was turning out for Switzerland last night as they claimed a 4-0 victory over Gibraltar in their Euro 2020 qualifier.
Xhaka, however, was forced to come off with 16 minutes remaining due to an Achilles problem and the midfielder revealed after he has been battling with it this season.
"I’ve been suffering from Achilles tendon pain for a few weeks now. I felt it during the game. It hurts now, but it should be okay otherwise," said Xhaka.
The midfielder has come under fire recently after his tackle on Heung-min Son during this month’s North London derby, which resulted in Spurs winning a penalty and taking a 2-0 lead.
Arsenal fought back to draw 2-2 at Emirates Stadium, but in the aftermath Xhaka was criticised by the likes of pundit Gary Neville for his actions.
The Switzerland international, however, has insisted he will not let it get to him, telling Swiss news outlet Blick.
"It’s part of football, there are a lot of people that talk a lot.
"I cannot influence anything and I do not want to.
"It is not my business. My job is to perform on the pitch."
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