Coach Mikel Arteta has revealed he won’t consider Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Arsenal ahead of their trip to Leeds on Saturday. After the breaking football news that the Gunners have stripped him of his captaincy, Aubameyang will not be part of the recall for Arsenal against Leeds United in an away Premier League fixture tomorrow.
The Gabon international striker was not up for selection on Wednesday’s line-up as Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0. They won this home fixture at Emirates Stadium to jump into the Premier League’s top four.
That was the second game Aubameyang had to sit out in a week that also saw his demotion from captain. Arsenal stripped him of his captaincy duties at Emirates Stadium following yet another breach of discipline.
Aubameyang Will Not Be Part of the Recall for Arsenal against Leeds
Following the midweek win over the Hammers, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta answered questions by BT Sport about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arteta said, about whether he would feature in Arsenal’s next match: “He wasn’t eligible for this game and that’s it. This game is a [goner for him]. We will discuss it in the near future.”
That time has now come, but the Spanish coach has again revealed that the 32-year-old frontman is still out.
Arteta confirmed Aubameyang will be on the bench when the Gunners visit Elland Road: “No, he’s not available for selection.”
The coach then stated the criteria that Aubameyang must now fulfil for the Arsenal camp to welcome him back into their fold: “Well, he’s not available for the Leeds game, and this is the situation right now.”
Finally, reporters pressed Arteta further on whether the issues with the former skipper could impact their plans for Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette has filled Aubameyang’s shoes, wearing the captain’s armband, of late and Arsenal want him to sign a new contract.
The Gunners boss said: “Alex’s performances, involvement and commitment is without question.
“It’s not related to his contract situation. I discussed it in the summer with him – what the situation was – and we are both clear on that. Auba’s situation is something separate to that.”
