Arsenal boss Unai Emery has said that captain Granit Xhaka is devastated amid a row with club supporters and confirmed that the midfielder will not travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Xhaka taunted Arsenal fans and removed his shirt when storming off the pitch after he was substituted during the side's 2-2 draw to Crystal Palace on Sunday. The midfielder appeared to swear at his team's own supporters, as well as waving his arms taunting supporters to jeer louder and cupping his ear.
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Emery refused to confirm any punishment for Xhaka, including whether he will be stripped of the club's captaincy.
"It's not easy for him and for the team," Emery said in a news conference on Tuesday. "He is now devastated, sad.
"He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about that situation.
"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."
When asked whether he believes Xhaka should apologise to club supporters, Emery said: "Yes. I think when we make individual mistakes, we need to make apologies for one circumstance, I prefer to do. We suggested to him he do it."
Xhaka, who arrived at the Emirates in 2016, has made 144 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.
Emery said that midfielder Mesut Ozil could be in line to replace Xhaka as captain against Liverpool on Wednesday, despite making just one start and two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.