Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raised serious concerns over Jorginho’s fitness just days before the crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Real Madrid, suggesting the midfielder may have sustained a "significant" injury.
Setback in Brentford draw highlights squad woes
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Thomas Partey gave Arsenal the lead in the 61st minute, only for Yoane Wissa to equalize later in the match. Kieran Tierney had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside in a first half that hinted at Arsenal’s mounting frustrations.
The draw delivers a further blow to Arsenal’s slim hopes of overtaking Liverpool in the Premier League title race. However, concerns over squad depth and fitness may prove even more damaging in the immediate future.
Injury concerns pile up before Real Madrid clash
Arteta confirmed after the match that Ben White remains a doubt for Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. Thomas Partey was substituted after reportedly "feeling something," and Jorginho’s situation appears the most alarming.
Late in the game, the Brazilian midfielder was visibly in discomfort and had to be taken off. With Arsenal having already used all five substitutions, they were forced to finish the match with ten men. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Arteta hinted at a rib injury.
He said he could not breathe properly so it might be to do with one of the ribs, Arteta explained. It is strange because Jorgi normally carries on so that means it is something significant I think.
Title challenge falters amid poor run
Arsenal have now managed just two wins in their last seven Premier League matches, collecting only 10 out of a possible 21 points. This dip in form has all but cleared the path for Liverpool to clinch the title. Should Liverpool win their next two games and Arsenal drop points against Ipswich Town, the trophy could be theirs as early as next Sunday.
Reflecting on the result, Arteta admitted:
An opportunity missed for sure because we wanted to win and increase our opportunities in the league. But we haven’t managed to do that. We have to be critical with ourselves, especially with the way we conceded the goal.
When asked if the looming Real Madrid fixture had distracted his players, he firmly responded:
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.