Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thinks that Jorginho has sustained a “significant” injury days out from their trip to Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday after Thomas Partey’s 61st-minute opener was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa. Kieran Tierney also had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half.
It’s a major blow to Arsenal’s already paper thin hopes of catching Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, but there may be a greater cost in terms of squad health.
Arteta confirmed that Ben White is a doubt to face Real on Wednesday, Thomas Partey was subbed off after he “felt something” and Jorginho appears likely to miss the quarter-final second leg altogether.
The Brazilian looked in pain after he was forced off late on, leaving the north London outfit to play with ten men as they had already used up their allocation of five substitutions.
Arteta said he does not yet know the extent of the injury, but surmised that Jorginho has injured his ribs.
“He said he could not breathe properly so it might be to do with one of the ribs,” the Arsenal boss told BBC Match of the Day. “It is strange because Jorgi normally carries on so that means it is something significant I think.”
Arsenal have won just two of their past seven Premier League games, taking 10 points from a possible 21. Their recent poor form has effectively handed the title to leaders Liverpool, who can claim the trophy next Sunday if they win their next two games and Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town.
“An opportunity missed for sure because we wanted to win and increase our opportunities in the league,” Arteta said. “But we haven’t managed to do that. We have to be critical with ourselves, especially with the way we conceded the goal.”
Asked if the team’s minds were focused on Madrid, Arteta snapped back: “The way we did the game certainly not. The way the feeling was with the players, certainly not. To prepare well you have to play as well as possible and win the next game.”
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