Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka had to be taken off in the 4-0 win against Gibraltar yesterday evening with an Achilles injury. The 26-year-old is now a doubt for this weekend’s game against Watford.

Speaking after the match about the problem, the Gunners captain revealed that he had been managing the issue during recent matches but he is hopeful that he won’t be out for too long:

“I’ve been suffering from Achilles tendon pain for a few weeks now. I felt it during the game. It hurts now, but it should be okay otherwise.”

Xhaka’s potential replacement has, however, also suffered an injury scare. Lucas Torreira was substituted before half time in Uruguay’s 2-1 win over Costa Rica in a friendly on Saturday.

The 23-year-old is said to have picked up a knock during the first half and will now be assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff ahead of the trip to Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Manager Unai Emery could, though, have Joe Willock back in contention for the match against the Hornets. The 20-year-old started the first three matches of the campaign but had been struggling with a calf injury.