Aubameyang: Gabon coach reveals the real reason for captain's absence

The Arsenal attacker was again absent for Gabon’s latest AFCON match due to reported cardiac lesions, which the coach has now refuted.

Gabon manager Patrice Neveu has denied claims that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence from Friday’s 1-1 draw with Ghana was from heart problems, insisting it was really down to traces of coronavirus instead.

The Panthers skipper has missed both of the team’s opening two Group C games in the Africa Cup of Nations, after testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Cameroon.

Aubameyang, alongside Gabon teammates Mario Lemina and Axel Meye, rejoined Neveu’s squad for training on the eve of Friday’s game.

Results from medical tests, however, led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to prevent the trio from returning to action, mere hours before kick-off in the Ghana match.

The Gabonese Football Federation later reported on Twitter that Aubameyang, Lemina, and Meye’s test results revealed ‘cardiac lesions’ – which Neveu has now denied.

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Selon la commission médicale de la CAF, les joueurs Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Axel Meyé et Mario Lemina à peine sortis du Covid ne peuvent pas prendre part à ce match.
Les examens présenteraient des lésions cardiaques.
la CAF n'a pas voulu prendre de risques. pic.twitter.com/cebUnMLSVX

— Fédération Gabonaise de Football – FEGAFOOT (@fegafoot_gabon) January 14, 2022

‘It is clear that Aubameyang has no cardiac problems’

In an interview with ESPN, Neveu set the record straight on the test results and revealed Aubameyang’s reaction to them.

“In the readings, it’s clear that Aubameyang has no cardiac problems,” said the 67-year-old Frenchman. “He [and Lemina] passed PCR tests, and they were negative.

“They then did a second lot of exams, cardiac tests, and it seemed as though the pair of them had problems.

“It appears as though the virus has left a residue, it’s possible that the illness has left an impact, and two hours before the match, the team doctor and the doctor of CAF were on a phone call with me, and they told me not to play them.”

Neveu added: “When we got the news, Pierre-Emerick wanted to play, he left his room with his belongings, but the CAF doctor told me again, so his father had to intervene.

“I know it hurt him.”

Despite the unwelcome setback for Aubameyang, Gabon claimed a 1-1 draw with Ghana to strengthen their hopes of progressing past the AFCON group stages for the first time since 2012.

Neveu’s side, who sit second in Group C on four points, face leaders Morocco next Tuesday for their final group match.