There aren't many people who look forward to the international break - but Granit Xhaka will have been one of them this time around.

The midfielder has been on duty with Switzerland weeks after being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy. 

Unai Emery took the decision after Xhaka stormed off the pitch against Crystal Palace and, in response to boos from the crowd, shouted at fans to "f*** off". 

The 27-year-old hasn't played for the club since.

His only minutes on a football pitch following the incident have come in his country's recent Euro qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Georgia. 

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It's fair to say those games have been an altogether more enjoyable experience, with Switzerland winning 2-0 and 1-0 respectively and no-one, as yet, being told to f*** off.

However, rather than simply revel in the moment as his nation edge closer to qualification for next summer's tournament, Xhaka has appeared to re-open his feud with Arsenal supporters. 

On Instagram, his latest post depicts him in a Switzerland shirt with the caption: 

"Happiness is when you are satisfied with yourself and do not need the confirmation of others."

It's a clear shift away from his regular, run-of-the mill posts after Switzerland games. 

This isn't the first time he's used social media to vent his feelings since the row, either. 

Days after the Palace game, he changed his profile picture on Instagram from one of him in an Arsenal strip to a photo of him in his Switzerland jersey. He also removed any mention of the Gunners from his accounts. 

Then, by way of an apology, he posted a statement detailing some of the vile abuse he and his family had received in explanation for why he erupted at the Emirates.

In truth, regardless of what Xhaka does from here, it's very difficult to see a way back for him in north London and speculation is already mounting that he'll move on in January. 

Newcastle are the latest club to be linked with him, while AC Milan are also reportedly monitoring the situation, conscious that he will be available on a cut-price deal because of the fall-out. 

It will be an uncomfortable couple of months until the start of the transfer window.