Arteta explains surprise Aubameyang absence for FA Cup match

The Arsenal skipper isn’t in the squad to face Southampton in an FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta has explained Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence is down to an undisclosed ‘personal matter’ that has taken place in the last few hours.

The Arsenal captain, therefore, misses out on a spot in Arteta’s 20-man squad for the trip to St. Mary’s. Alexandre Lacazette, meanwhile, is benched as Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah start in their pair’s respective roles.

Mikel on Auba's absence: "He had a personal matter in the last few hours and we had to send him back."

🔜 #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/RMyX7xaxpV

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2021

“He had a personal matter in the last few hours and we had to send him back,” Arteta explained to reporters.

New goalkeeper Matt Ryan, who joined from Brighton on loan this week until the end of the season, didn’t make the squad. Arteta instead gave Runar Alex Runarsson the nod as Bernd Leno’s back-up for the match.

Below is an image of how both Southampton and Arsenal have lined-up for the fourth-round FA Cup tie.