Ben White opens up on Aubameyang’s Arsenal exile

The Gabon international has missed the club’s last four games since losing the captaincy this month.

Arsenal defender Ben White has admitted that the squad misses Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 32-year-old hasn’t played for the Gunners since a 2-1 defeat to Everton on December 6. Mikel Arteta dropped him for a disciplinary breach for the following match, and later relieved him of his captaincy duties.

The Arsenal manager’s hardline stance has prompted doubts over Aubameyang’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

🗣 “I don’t establish my authority but being dictatorial or trying to be ruthless. I just ask for one thing. It’s respect and commitment, that’s all.”

Mikel Arteta response to him being uncompromising and sticking to his principles too much regarding Aubameyang situation. pic.twitter.com/RzZsxacWeY

— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) December 23, 2021

What did White say?

“It hasn’t really looked it on the scoresheet. We’ve been playing well,” White told talkSPORT when asked if Aubameyang’s situation has been a distraction for the team.

“Obviously it’s disappointing for Auba, but we’ve all got our heads down and we’re working hard.

“He’s a really nice guy. We all miss him, but it is what it is.”

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Arsenal have embarked on a four-match winning streak in Aubameyang’s absence. Their strong form has lifted them up to fourth in the Premier League table.

The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe, meanwhile, have regularly supplied goals in recent outings.

Arteta’s side return to action on Sunday away to Norwich City in the Premier League.