Granit Xhaka has been suffering from Achilles pain for a ‘couple of weeks’ according to the player and a report in Switzerland.

Granit Xhaka started Switzerland’s 4-0 win over Gibraltar on Sunday evening, providing an assist for their opener after 37 minutes.

After 74, however, he was taken off as he complained of pain and was replaced by Ruben Vargas.

After the game, it was revealed that the Arsenal man, who recently admitted he made a mistake against Tottenham but didn’t understand why people were focusing on the negatives, is suffering from Achilles pain and has been for a couple of weeks.

“It hurts a bit, but I think everything is fine,” Xhaka said after the match while also admitting it has been an ongoing issue but not one he expects to cause long-term problems.

Earlier in the international break Xhaka played the full 90 in Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland.

Over the weekend, it was also reported that Xhaka is likely to miss the next international break due to the impending birth of his first child.

“There are more special things in life than football,” Xhaka said ]via Blick]. “For example, when you become a father. With Haris, it was agreed that he gives everything against Ireland and then travels home.”

Haris Seferovic played against Ireland but then left to be with his partner as she gave birth.

“And with me, it [the birth of his child] would probably fall on the next time we play [with Switzerland].”