Not for the first time in recent weeks, Arsenal struggled in a game without Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland international still divides opinions amongst Gunners supporters, but it's obvious that the team struggle to control games in the middle of the park when he's not playing.
As a precaution over a hip problem sustained in the win over Napoli was the reason why Xhaka didn't make the matchday squad against Crystal Palace on Sunday as head coach Unai Emery was not prepared to risk the midfielder with some huge games on the horizon.
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"We changed because we need to use some players, we're playing a lot of matches," Emery told reporters in his post-press conference . "We have had some injuries like with Aaron Ramsey and need to protect the players.
"On Thursday [Granit] Xhaka asked to change in the second half against Napoli and today he can play but with some risk. We need to protect him and use other players.
"We are playing with players who give us performances. We lost today but we could have lost with other players on the pitch."
With the Gunners in action against Wolves on Wednesday night, Emery will be hopeful that Xhaka is fit enough to return and all signs are pointing towards the 26-year-old being available.
Despite being injured, the midfielder was present at the Emirates Stadium as his teammates fell to a surprise 3-2 loss which is a blow to their hopes of finishing in the top four this season.
Xhaka posted an image on Instagram of him in the stands, suggesting the injury isn't too serious as he most likely would have been receiving further treatment if any other case.
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