GRANIT XHAKA is planning to take time off next month around the birth of his first child.

Arsenal star Xhaka and wife Leonita Lekaj are preparing to become parents two years after they got married – with a due date in mid-October.

The Swiss midfielder says he will be taking a break from football when he becomes a dad, meaning he could miss training and even playing in a game.

At present the time off is expected to come in the middle of next month's international break when Switzerland are due to face Denmark and Ireland,

But if the birth is early or delayed, there is the potential it could affect the 26-year-old's involvement with Arsenal.

His Swiss team-mate Haris Seferovic has taken the same steps this week, leaving the squad early after becoming a father.

And Xhaka said: "There are more special things in life than football. For example, when you become a father.

"With Haris it was agreed that he gives everything against Ireland and then travels home.

"And with me, it would probably fall on that time when we play. "

At present the impending birth should not impact on Unai Emery's selection plans at the Emirates.

But should Leonita fall into labour earlier than expected, it may make a difference to whether the midfielder is able to feature in the home game against Bournemouth on October 6.

And after the international break the Gunners travel to Sheffield United on October 21, so if the birth is overdue then it may impact on Xhaka's involvement in that match.

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