Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Emile Smith Rowe will not be available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park, while Thomas Partey is a doubt.
Smith Rowe recently made his long-awaited return from groin surgery, but he was nowhere to be seen in last week's FA Cup loss to Manchester City.
The 22-year-old, who has been restricted to just six appearances in all tournaments this season, missed out due to a thigh problem, although his absence was believed to have been precautionary.
However, when asked about Smith Rowe's availability at Friday's pre-match press conference, Arteta admitted that the midfielder would be out for a little while longer, replying: "Not yet".
Meanwhile, midfield regular Partey was named in the first XI for that 1-0 defeat to Man City at the Etihad, but he had to be withdrawn at half time due to discomfort in his ribs.
The Ghana international was seen receiving treatment midway through the first half before being replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga, who joined Crystal Palace on loan on transfer deadline day.
"Let's see. That one is still a doubt. Let's see how he comes in and if he's able to train or not," Arteta said on Partey. "He's not ruled out and it's not significant but hopefully he'll be fine."
Should Partey miss out at Goodison Park, the door will be open for Jorginho to make his first start in Arsenal colours after his £12m move from Chelsea at the end of the January window.
With Mohamed Elneny now ruled out for the foreseeable future after undergoing knee surgery, Jorginho is one of only three senior midfield options for Arteta alongside Partey and Granit Xhaka.
Lavishing praise on the Euro 2020 winner, Arteta added: "We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and ready for inconvenience.
"We had a big one with Mo and we needed a player in that position. He's a great character who'll bring leadership and quality in that position."
As well as Smith Rowe and Elneny, Arsenal also remain without the services of Gabriel Jesus, but Reiss Nelson made his return to training on Thursday after overcoming a thigh injury.
Nelson returns to bolster Arsenal's wide options, one of whom - Gabriel Martinelli - committed to a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Premier League leaders earlier this week.
Arsenal confirmed Martinelli's new long-term deal - which also includes a 12-month extension option - on Friday morning, and Arteta was overjoyed to see the Brazil international put pen to paper, saying: "It's great news.
"We want to build on all the talent that we have in the squad. It's great to see them happy and willing to commit to the club. He's a player with enormous potential that still has so many things to improve but is already performing at a really high level. He's so willing, that is the best thing about Gabi."
Arsenal are also working to agree new long-term contracts with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, both of whom are due to become free agents at the end of next season, and Arteta is confident that Martinelli's fellow 21-year-olds will remain in North London.
"Part of the plan is to extend the contract of our biggest talents. We are trying to do that. The others will be done whenever we can. I see everybody really happy and willing to continue with the club," the Gunners boss added.
Arsenal can temporarily go eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with victory over Everton on Saturday lunchtime. body check tags ::
