Arsenal dealt injury blow before Real Madrid showdown after star forced off vs Brentford

Jorginho is set to miss Arsenal's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but the Gunners are hopeful that the seasoned midfielder's injury won't end his season prematurely in what is likely his final year at the club.

The Italian's contract is due to expire this summer and he has been offered a chance to return to Brazil with Flamengo, although there may be an opportunity for him to return to the Emirates in the future. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has had to contend with numerous injuries this season, with the latest setback occurring during Saturday's draw against Brentford.

Fellow Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey also picked up an injury and is currently being evaluated, but the hope is that he will be fit to face Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Jorginho, 33, sustained a chest injury during the Brentford draw and Arteta was forced to finish the game with 10 men after using all of his substitute options.

The former Chelsea player has undergone examinations and X-rays, and it's expected that the injury will sideline him for several weeks, ruling him out of the quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu.

Arteta, who is a huge fan of Jorginho, may have relied heavily on his experience ahead of Arsenal's most crucial match of the season. However, he will now be absent and is likely to miss at least the next two Premier League matches against Ipswich and Crystal Palace.

With six Premier League matches remaining and a potential Champions League semi-final on the horizon, should they overcome Real Madrid, squad rotation will be key for Arsenal. Jorginho was called upon in their recent clash with Brentford to provide some respite for other players.

Despite speculation about his future, Arteta holds Jorginho in high regard, both for his contributions on the pitch and his influence off it. While it seems likely that the Italian international will seek another playing contract elsewhere, a return to the Emirates in the future is not out of the question.

Arteta has previously expressed admiration for Jorginho's understanding of the game. Given Arteta's own transition into management after working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, a similar path could be an option for Jorginho.

As contracts for Jorginho and Partey near their end, Arsenal have already lined up Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Injuries have plagued Arsenal this season, with Ben White sustaining a setback before the Brentford match. Riccardo Calafiori has also been sidelined recently, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel have undergone surgery following hamstring injuries.

Havertz is making good progress in his recovery and aims to return before the season concludes, with Arsenal dreaming of a spot in the Champions League final come the end of May.