Arsenal faced a torrid return to Premier League action after suffering a key injury within minutes of their season resuming.

The Gunners travelled to face Manchester City on Wednesday in their rescheduled clash as English football resumed after a three-month absence.

Unfortunately, things got off to a horrendous start for Mikel Arteta's side as Granit Xhaka was replaced after just six minutes.

The Swiss international was stretchered off the rain-soaked pitch at the Etihad Stadium after going down with an innocuous-looking injury.

While the nature of the injury is yet to be confirmed, it appeared to be an ankle injury.

He was replaced by Dani Ceballos.

Depending on the severity of the blow, it could spell the end of the season for Granit Xhaka who will have had high hopes of guiding the Gunners back into Champions League contention.

It's expected that confirmation of the injury will be revealed by Mikel Arteta post-match, but it certainly looked like a serious blow that could spell a lengthy period on the sidelines for the midfielder.

GIVEMESPORT’S Phil Spencer says…

This could be a massive blow for Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka, while regularly criticised, has proven himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta with the Gunners.

All focus in recent weeks has been to ensure that the players are fit and raring to go for the Premier League return, but unfortunately there's little that can be done about an injury like that.

It remains to be seen just how serious the blow will be, but given the pain that he was in it may well be a case that Xhaka's season is over.

If that's the case, Arteta will be hoping that one of his other players can step up to the plate to deputise.