Mikel Arteta offers explanation for Jorginho injury absence

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he hopes to see midfielder Jorginho back in action before the end of the season even after a complication to the injury which has kept him sidelined for the past month.

Jorginho was substituted in the late stages of last month's 1-1 draw with Brentford with what appeared to be a chest injury, and he has been out of action ever since. Reports suggested Jorginho had broken a rib and hinted at a recent setback.

BBC Sport state Jorginho is suffering from a punctured lung, which Arteta admitted had proven slightly more problematic than initially thought.

"It's got a bit more complicated than expected," he said. "Thankfully, he's fine, he's feeling good, he's recovering well, but it was a bit more than what we wanted."

Thankfully, Arteta voiced his confidence that Jorginho will be welcomed back into training in the coming weeks and backed the midfielder to return to competitive action before the season comes to a close.

"I think so, yeah," he said of a return. "Hopefully, if everything goes well in the next week or so, I think he will... Gradually, I think he will be integrated in the team."

Jorginho's next appearance for Arsenal may well end up being his last. The 33-year-old is approaching the end of his contract and he is not expected to be offered a late extension, with Brazilian side Flamengo trying to snap him up on a free transfer.

Fellow midfielder Thomas Partey is also approaching the end of his contract but negotiations over an extension are believed to have been held, with both parties described as keen to agree new terms.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP