Jorginho NOT with Arsenal squad ahead of Liverpool clash

Italian midfielder, Jorginho, has not travelled with the rest of the Arsenal squad to Liverpool, as the Gunners prepare to face the Premier League champions.

Arsenal’s trip to Anfield in May was expected to be a possible title decider just months ago, but the clash now serves as an opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to confirm their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

Although Liverpool hold a 15-point lead on the rest of the league, both sides have suffered defeats in their last respective matches. The Gunners were knocked out in the semi-final of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, while Arne Slot’s side suffered their third league loss under his tenure, in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

For the home team, Joe Gomez is the only expected absentee, while Arsenal will be without long-term absentees, such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Magalhães. On a positive note for the North London club, Riccardo Calafiori, who was previously sidelined due to a knee injury since March, was substituted on for a 20 minute cameo in Paris.

The defender’s Italian countryman, Jorginho, was also named on the bench against the Ligue 1 champions, but is still yet to return to action since his rib issue sustained in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw to Brentford last month.

While it was initially reported that the 33 year-old was solely travelling to the French capital with the squad to provide the required experience for a European semi-final, being listed as a substitute was an added bonus for Jorginho, who is set to depart the club this summer, to join Flamengo on a free transfer.

However, Jorginho has not been spotted with the Arsenal squad that travelled to Merseyside yesterday, and was instead in attendance at the Eventim Apollo in London last night, to watch UK talent show, Britain’s Got Talent.

With the Italian seemingly unavailable for selection, academy youngster, Jimi Gower could be selected as a substitute once again, after travelling with his teammates yesterday.

Following their trip to Anfield, Arsenal welcome Newcastle next weekend, and travel to Southampton on the final day of the campaign, which is set to be the last opportunity for Jorginho to don Arsenal’s red and white.