Mikel Arteta admits Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a doubt to feature for Arsenal against Manchester United on Saturday.
Arsenal are sweating on the availability of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for their weekend clash against Manchester United.
The Gabonese forward has missed his side’s last two matchday squads. He finally confirmed on Wednesday that his mum was in ill health, thanking fans and teammates for their support during a trying time for his family.
While Arteta is eager to welcome Aubameyang back in his first team, he is also wary of rushing his skipper back into the fold if he is not in the right mental state to lead the squad.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Arteta said to the club’s social channel: “I spoke with him yesterday. Things are looking better at the moment, but we are going to have to wait and see. He is our captain and one of the most important players.”
“We are doing everything we can to have him [back] as a quick as possible – but understanding that he has been through difficult days, that he had to support his family and we were here to support him as well with the time that he needed to get that support.”
It is unclear as to whether Aubameyang had traveled abroad to visit his mother. If he did, it means he would have to return a negative covid-19 test before he is allowed to play.
Pressed on the subject of potentially having his captain self-quarantine, Arteta added: “I don’t know if that will happen. He had to support his family and he had to be with them.”
Back in November, a penalty from Aubameyang proved to be the difference when Arsenal edged Manchester United by a 1-0 scoreline at Old Trafford.
The potential absence of the Gabonese forward could prove to be a big blow for the Gunners.
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