Mikel Arteta has spoken on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Arsenal star missed a second game in a row due to unspecified personal reasons.
Aubameyang started the campaign slowly, which was perhaps reflected in Arsenal’s position in the Premier League, but has been beginning to hit his stride in recent weeks.
Unfortunately for the Gunners and Arteta, the Gabon goal-machine has been unavailable for their both two fixtures, both against Southampton, with personal reasons being cited.
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Team news – Arsenal confirm that Aubameyang is still out due to ‘personal family reasons’. Ceballos and Mari still missing, Tierney being assessed due to ‘discomfort in the lower right leg’.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 26, 2021
We do not know what’s going on with Aubameyang at current, nor would be want to invade his privacy at what is clearly a delicate time. His teammates showed their support for him after scoring against the Saints this evening.
Thinking of you, Auba ?? pic.twitter.com/ilsvWypwfo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 26, 2021
While Arsenal fans will want to give Aubameyang all the time he needs to deal with whatever he may be going through, they’d be lying if they said they’re not keen to see him back as soon as possible.
Arteta provided an update on exactly that while speaking after Arsenal’s win, and was pretty coy on the situation, wishing his striker the best without giving much away.
Arteta on Aubameyang, who has now missed two games for unspecified personal reasons. #afc pic.twitter.com/YVnBUKZgvp
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) January 26, 2021