Granit Xhaka out for at least two weeks, Le Bris downplays West Ham fan incident | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka will miss at least two weeks with an ankle injury that requires further tests, head coach Regis Le Bris said.

The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen had played every minute of the Premier League season before sitting out the 3-1 defeat at West Ham United, where Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki started in midfield.

While seated behind the Sunderland bench, Xhaka appeared to exchange words with West Ham supporters during the game, prompting a brief pause, then again after full-time. Le Bris said he did not see the incident, citing the distance from the touchline, and stressed the focus is on his team. Nuno Espirito Santo said he was speaking to the referee when the stoppage was ordered and did not know what had happened, adding he hoped all was well.

Xhaka has featured in all 23 matches in all competitions this season, scoring once and supplying five assists.

Aside from Xhaka, Sunderland are close to full strength after the returns of Reinildo, Arthur Masuaku, Chemsdine Talbi, Bertrand Traore, Habib Diarra and Sadiki from the Africa Cup of Nations. Le Bris’ side host Burnley on February 2.

Source: NY Times