Unai Emery has refused to confirm whether Granit Xhaka will continue as Arsenal captain after his outburst at the Emirates.
A furious Xhaka told the Arsenal fans to ‘F*** off’ when they began booing him as he was substituted during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Supporters have called for Xhaka to be stripped as captain, but Emery insists the midfielder knows he was wrong to hit out at the fans.
‘He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about that situation,’ he said in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s cup clash with Liverpool.
‘His commitment is great every time. He wants to help.
‘His behaviour was perfect in training, with the group and club. Really he knows he was wrong.
‘He feels inside, very deep. It’s normal as a human. Every player needs the supporters’ support.’
Emery did not want to be drawn into a discussion about Xhaka ahead of the Liverpool game, but confirmed the 27-year-old would not be involved for the match against the Reds.
The Arsenal boss insisted that decision was made before the incident at the Emirates and was strictly down to his desire to rotate his squad for the Carabao Cup game.
Xhaka reportedly refused to apologise publicly for his actions despite a request from the club and Emery would not confirm whether he had been fined for his actions.
Arsenal’s squad are thought to be backing their under-fire captain and Emery is still weighing up whether to axe Xhaka as captain.
There are reports punishing Xhaka would spark a player revolt in the squad.
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