Granit Xhaka
SUNSwitzerland
Left
Sep 27, 1992
33
6'1"
176 lb
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
SunderlandSix crosses in home loss
Xhaka generated one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Brighton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.
Analysis: Xhaka came back into the starting lineup, having been on the bench in the FA Cup and in the last Premier League match. He took four corners, his most in a Premier League game this season. He has been Sunderland's second highest set-piece taker this season and is only three behind Enzo Le Fee.
Listed to bench
Xhaxa (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Fulham.
Analysis: Xhaxa is back on the team sheet Sunday as expected, with the midfielder earning a spot on the bench for the contest. He will likely test his legs before starting again, typically a starter when fully fit, one of the better anchors in the Premier League.
Set for return
Xhaka (ankle) has trained this week and is an option for Sunday's match against Fulham, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "Granit has more or less fully trained this week, so he will be available on Sunday."
Analysis: Xhaxa has been out for the past four games but is back to boost the squad this week, with the midfielder able to train and now an option. This is a major addition as he should start almost immediately, starting in all 22 appearances this season. He serves in more of a defensive role for the club, but still has an exceptional playmaking ability due to his experience, notching one goal and five assists this season.
Two to three weeks away
Xhaka (ankle) is still two to three weeks away from making his return, coach Regis Le Bris told the media, according to the Sunderland Echo. "We don't know yet on Granit. Probably two or three weeks. We'll see according to his feeling and just wait a bit."
Analysis: Xhaka remains in the rehab phase after suffering an ankle injury after the game against Crystal Palace, an issue that has sidelined him for the last three Premier League matches. Sunderland's captain is still estimated to be two to three weeks away from a return, though that timeline could shift based on how he responds physically. He is a locked-in starter when healthy, therefore his absence has forced a midfield reshuffle, with Enzo Le Fee dropping into a deeper role to help stabilize the center of the pitch while he remains out.
Out another week
Xhaka (ankle) is out for this week's set of matches and remains in doubt for the Fulham game, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo. "We don't know yet on Granit. Probably two or three weeks. We'll see according to his feeling and just wait a bit."
Analysis: Xhaka is still going to need further time on his return from injury and is out for this week's matches, not an option to face Liverpool or Oxford United. This extends his streak to five games missed, as he will now also be doubtful for the game against Fulham on Feb. 22. He is one of the most critical players to the squad when fit, so his return is a crucial focus for the club.
Still working on return
Xhaka (ankle) is progressing well in his recovery as he works toward a full return at his best level, said coach Regis Le Bris in the press conference. "There is no major update at the minute but his presence around the team is still really strong. We look forward to having the best version of him back..."
Analysis: Xhaka is progressing well in his recovery and is targeting a return in a few weeks against Fulham. The midfielder is an undisputed starter, having started all 23 matches prior to his injury while scoring one goal and providing five assists during that span, and his absence remains a significant blow for his side.
Needs another three weeks
Xhaka (ankle) is set for assessment in the next week and is likely to miss around three more weeks, according to manager Regis Le Bris."Granit is doing well. We will assess him in the next week, but it will probably be three more weeks."
Analysis: Xhaka is going to see more testing on his injury this week, but is not yet set for a return, with the midfielder expected to miss another three weeks. This sets him up with a return as they near the end of February, a rough loss as they continue without their engine in the midfield. He will likely eye a return to the field when facing Fulham on Feb. 22, although that is yet to be confirmed.
Needs a week for assessment
Xhaka (ankle) is set for another week out before assessing his injury again, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Xhaka went down in the club's last match with an ankle injury and was forced to miss out against West Ham on Saturday. However, he is now heading for another match out, as the club will give him a week before a further assessment, missing against Burnley but potentially returning in the next few games after. This is a major blow to the club's midfield, leaving Eliezer Mayenda to enter the starting XI while Enzo Le Fee takes a less attacking role.
Suffers ankle injury
Xhaka suffered an ankle injury during the victory against Crystal Palace and is set to miss some time to undergo a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, the club announced.
Analysis: Xhaka suffered an ankle injury during the win against Crystal Palace last Saturday and couldn't recover in time for the game against West Ham United. The midfielder will now undergo a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, and no timeline has been given regarding his return. Against the Hammers, Enzo Le Fee will play deeper in the middle of the pitch, adding an additional attacking spot in the frontline, with Romain Mundle starting a third consecutive game for the Black Cats.
Whips in four crosses
Xhaka registered four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Xhaka would get back over the three cross mark Thursday after two straight games with only one cross, recording four against City. He now has 10 appearances with three or more crosses, just over half of his appearances. He remains at six goal contributions this season, five coming as assists.
Assists in 1-1 draw
Xhaka assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Xhaka provided his fifth assist of the season on his return to the Premier League with Sunderland this season. He created three chances, which was his most in the last eight games. In the other seven games in this run, he created just four chances. With one corner taken, he is Sunderland's top set-piece taker, but Enzo Le Fee is gaining ground.
Records two shots
Xhaka registered two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Xhaka would play for 72 minutes of Saturday's rough outing but had little to show, with one cross and two shots the best of his work. He has gone two games since his last goal contribution and remains at four this campaign, the club's anchor in the midfield who has yet to miss a start all season.
Dishes assist in 3-2 win
Xhaka assisted once to go with seven crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Xhaka set up Bertand Traore for their squad's second goal of the match, tying the score at 2-2 in the 46th minute. It marked the second goal contribution in four outings for Xhaka, who is now up to four assists on the season. The assist comes after his first two games of the season without a chance created, while his two in the match make it the fourth time he has had multiple in one outing.
First league goal
Xhaka scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Xhaka was heavily involved in attack, scoring his first goal in the league and creating multiple opportunities for his teammates. The midfielder registered a season-high five chances created and six crosses, though none were converted, keeping him on three assists. He also contributed defensively with a season-high three tackles won.
Two crosses in win
Xhaka generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Xhaka started for the eighth consecutive match and has played the full 90 minutes in each. He continues to be a steady creator, having produced at least one chance and two crosses in every start, which has resulted in three assists, while also recording at least one clearance per match.
Assists from set piece in 1-0 win
Xhaka assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Xhaka picked up his third assist in four games as he found Omar Alderete from a free kick early in the game. He also made eight clearances, two blocks, one interception and attempted two tackles. He has now become Sunderland's joint highest set piece taker with 13, where he joins Trai Hume.
Assists on equalizing goal
Xhaka assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 88th minute.
Analysis: The midfielder did plenty to eventually help Sunderland get a point from the match despite being a man down. Xhaka should continue posting strong numbers against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The side has already allowed nine goals through five EPL games.
Pinpoint cross setups goal
Xhaka assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Brentford. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Xhaka's late cross into the box was the decisive pass Saturday in Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Brentford. The assist marked the Sunderland captain's first goal contribution in the Premier League since his 2022 -2023 campaign with Arsenal. Xhaka has played every minute and created four chances across Sunderland's first three league fixtures.
Breaks up play in center of park
Xhaka had one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Burnley.
Analysis: Xhaka's midfield guile was on full display as he continually broke up the Burnley build-up Saturday across his 90 minutes of play by making two tackles (zero won), two interceptions and three clearances. In his first Premier League minutes since the 2022-2023 campaign with Arsenal, Xhaka has played the full 90 minutes in two successive fixtures and created three chances. Look for the veteran to be the midfield focal point for Sunderland throughout the campaign.
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