Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that illness was the reason behind Jorginho's half-time withdrawal against Everton.
The Italian international was selected from the start for the fourth game in succession against the Toffees but lasted just 45 minutes before having to be replaced by former Atletico Madrid ace Thomas Partey. In truth, it was arguably Jorginho's worst half in an Arsenal shirt so far after what has been a promising start to life in North London.
However, it has since been explained why he may have appeared off the pace as Arteta told reporters the ex-Chelsea ace was battling with illness during the game.
"Jorgi's fine. He had an illness and he put in a great shift but we decided to take him off."
The comment will be regarded as a welcome update in the eyes of the Arsenal faithful for multiple reasons. The fact Jorginho has now recovered gives the Gunners an alternative option in midfield for Saturday's home clash with relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
It means Partey, whose own fitness has long been a headache for the Arsenal manager, can be rested against the Cherries should Arteta see fit. It is likely that the Spaniard backs his players to be able to get the job done against 19th-placed Bournemouth without Partey if they need to.
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With that in mind, the Gunners made light work of the struggling outfit when they made the trip down south last summer. Arsenal brushed Bournemouth aside at the Vitality with a dominant 3-0 win, courtesy of a brace from captain Martin Odegaard and a stunner from William Saliba.
Arsenal have managed to evade injury in the middle of the park for the majority of the season up until mid-February when Partey was forced to miss the title-showdown against Manchester City.
Jorginho stepped up that night and following Arteta's update, do not be surprised to see him take to the field from the first whistle again on Saturday.
A win for the Gunners could at the very least see them maintain the five-point gap, though with title rivals City playing beforehand against Newcastle at the Etihad for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off that number could be subject to change.
There are now 13 games left to play and Arsenal arguably have the tougher run-in in comparison to City, who do not play another big-six side away from home for the remainder of the campaign.
In contrast, the Gunners still have trips to Anfield and the Etihad awaiting them, but the full focus is on Bournemouth for now.
