December 11, (THEWILL) – Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss this weekend’s match against Southampton.
Mikel Arteta had benched the Gabonese international in their 2-1 loss to Everton on Monday night.
Arteta will now be without his captain for Saturday’s match against the Saints.
Aubameyang missed Arsenal’s last training session before facing Southampton, and while the reason for his absence is unconfirmed, it is speculated that Auba may have taken ill.
However, the Gunners have declined commenting on why their captain was absent from their London Colney training facility on Friday.
Arteta was asked earlier in the week if he and Aubameyang had a rift, to which he said everything is great between them: “I have a very good relationship with my players.
“Everyone has to understand that I always do the best for this club and for this team. And often if that can benefit any individual, I will always do it.”
“The decisions are not personal, the decisions are just to get performance, and the best out of the team. That’s it.”
Aubameyang has had a difficult start to the 2021/22 season, scoring just four goals in 12 Premier League appearances. The Gabonese has struggled to live up to expectations since signing a lucrative new contract in the summer of 2020.
His tally of 10 league goals last season was his lowest since 2011 and with Arsenal now seventh in the table, goals are a premium.
If Arsenal defeat Southampton and Manchester United lose to Norwich on Saturday, a grateful Emirates side might move up to fifth on the log. The challenge will be to get that done without Aubameyang.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
