Granit Xhaka CHEERED by Arsenal fans as midfielder plays for first time a month after being stripped of captaincy

GRANIT XHAKA was CHEERED by Arsenal fans as his name was read out for his first game back since his X-rated row with fans.

Xhaka was stripped of captaincy after he swore at home supporters when he was substituted in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

He hasn't played for the Gunners since.

But he took his place in Emery's starting XI for tonight's home game against Frankfurt in the Europa League.

And it was a positive reaction from those in the Emirates – with only a small smattering of boos from a half-full stadium.

Tonight, against Frankfurt in the Europa League, marks his comeback in the squad after 31 days of being frozen out.

XHAKA ANGRY AT LOSING CAPTAINCY

SunSport has previously reported how the 27-year-old remains upset at being stripped of the captaincy.

The midfielder, 27, has not been included in their squad for the five games since his Emirates meltdown during the 2-2 with Crystal Palace.

While on international duty, Xhaka rapped: “I have a clear idea how things should proceed as I can’t accept what has happened.”

Emery was confident Xhaka was slowly coming around to the idea of an Arsenal return.

But the Gunners boss admits the player first needs to make his peace with supporters.

And he has the perfect chance to do just that against Frankfurt.

Emery said: "At training I had a very good conversation with Granit and he wants to come back.

“He is feeling better and believes his team is Arsenal.

“He is a good guy and good player. He loves and respects Arsenal and knows that in one game he made a mistake.

“First of all, we do not forget his mistake. That is why I took the captaincy off him as it is better he does not have that responsibility.

“But he has told me he is very convinced to help the team and the objective I am working for is for Granit to have a long future with us.”

Xhaka, a £38.25million buy from Germans Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2016, still has 2½ years on his £100k-a-week contract.

Yet he has never been popular with the critical Arsenal fanbase and lost his rag when booed as he was subbed against Palace on October 27.

Now he is seriously considering his future, with Inter and AC Milan both weighing up January bids — along with several German clubs.