Mikel Arteta urged to make big decision on ‘important’ Arsenal star vs Brentford

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Arsenal are set to face Brentford in the Premier League with the chance to go temporarily top of the table.

However, they will also have to balance this fixture with their crucial Champions League knockout game against FC Porto next Tuesday, in which Mikel Arteta’s side are 1-0 down on aggregate from the first leg.

Whilst Arteta may not want to change a winning formula too much, Arsenal could rotate a few players to tactically prepare for both games, and one obvious candidate for rotation is Jorginho.

The veteran has been outstanding recently, and will be needed for the Porto game. Given his age, and Brentford’s physical style, giving him a rest on Saturday seems to be the perfect move.

Mikel Arteta told to rest Jorginho for Arsenal vs Brentford

Speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, journalist Art De Roche claimed that he would like to see Jorginho rested for the Brentford clash.

“My initial thoughts go to maybe giving Jorginho a little bit of a rest ahead of Porto,” he stated.

“I don’t know if he’s fully come through his fitness issues that Mikel Arteta mentioned after I believe it was the Liverpool game, but those seem to be something that were ongoing, so my instinct would be maybe just put Declan Rice in a more sitting role.”

Jorginho was recently described as “important” for Arsenal, and whilst taking him out of the team is a risk, it is one Arsenal can afford against Brentford.

Jorginho may not be suited to Brentford clash

Jorginho’s intelligence often makes up for his lack of physicality, but the Brentford game is one in which his weaknesses may be targeted.

Even beyond this, Jorginho recently suffered a minor injury, and the club will be careful over this. This means that, in a week where Arsenal are also playing in the Champions League, he will have to sit one game out.

The Italian has been very useful in closing out games off the bench, and is a great leader in the squad, but given what rests on the Porto game, having him fully rested and prepared could be crucial.

Jorginho is set to be offered a new contract to stay at the club, and his performances this season have warranted a new deal, with the midfielder continually impressing alongside Declan Rice.