The 27-year-old Switzerland international has not played for the club since he reacted angrily to being booed by Arsenal fans in their draw against Crystal Palace last month.
And despite being taken out of the limelight by manager Unai Emery, Vieira insists that Xhaka can come back and prove his quality for Arsenal.
“I feel sorry for him because he [was] the captain and he’s going through a really difficult period and really difficult time at Arsenal,” Patrick Vieira said while speaking to The Guardian.
“I think we have to remind ourselves that he’s achieved a lot since he’s at Arsenal and he deserves a lot of respect.
“When you’re a player and don’t perform the way you expect, you get frustrated about yourself. And sometimes you say things or do things you regret.
“I find it really difficult a lot of ex-footballers have jumped on him and being really negative towards him – it’s too too easy.
“I know how good he is and he will come through this difficult period because he’s a strong man, he’s a good player. And he will show how good he is.”
