Pep Guardiola has sympathy for beleaguered Granit Xhaka in his row with Arsenal fans.

Gunners boss Unai Emery will not select his captain this weekend after he appeared to swear at the club’s fans following his substitution against Crystal Palace last Sunday.

In a statement on Thursday, Xhaka said he had reached boiling point because of social media abuse directed at him and his family.

“It’s nice to watch him and he played a good level. But he’s still 18 years old, he’s so young. His position now is in the second team, play as much as possible there and be ready, like he was.

“It’s good for him and of course how important it was for his family, his grandpa.”

Phil Foden is the only teenager regularly in the squad in the Premier League, and Guardiola challenged the others to stake a claim.

He said: “Eric Garcia is closer because every time he plays at an incredible high level, he doesn’t make mistakes. Then the other ones have to work and work and work.”

City are bidding for a 10th win from their last 11 games in all competitions as they look to keep up the pressure on Liverpool.

Guardiola believes it is an advantage to be playing the same team again, adding: “Of course we take a lot from it. It’s four days ago so it’s close. But maybe he’s going to change, Ralph (Hasenhuttl), so I don’t know what’s going to happen, just to prepare.”