Why is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not playing? Arsenal striker explains absence due to mother’s health issues

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked the Arsenal players and fans for their support after he missed the last two games to be with his unwell mother.

Aubameyang was not included in the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Southampton, and the forward was a surprise absentee when Arsenal took on the same opponents in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.

However, the Gabon forward explained on Wednesday that his mother has been in poor health and he had travelled to be with her.

Saka was on target in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at Southampton (Photo: Reuters)

“Thank you so much for all the messages and calls over the last few days,” Aubameyang said in a statement released on his social media channels.

“My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her. She’s already much better now and I will be back home tonight. I’m more than grateful to the doctors and nurses helping her get through this.

“And of course, thanks to my Arsenal fam for the love yesterday! I’m more determined than ever to keep our momentum going!”

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— AUBA (@Aubameyang7) January 27, 2021

An Aubameyang-less Arsenal came from a goal down against the Saints to extend their Premier League unbeaten run to six games, with Nicolas Pépé, Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette scoring in the 3-1 win.

Pépé took to social media after the match to dedicate his goal to Aubameyang, saying: “For my brother. @auba.”

Lacazette had signalled 14 with his hands as part of his goal celebration to represent the number of Aubameyang’s shirt, and his manager paid tribute to the togetherness of the squad afterwards

“I loved how they support each other and how they protect each other”, Mikel Arteta said.

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— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) January 27, 2021

Arsenal have enjoyed an upturn in form over the last month, taking 16 points from a possible 18 in the league to move within five points of the Champions League qualification places.

And Aubameyang’s return could see him available to face Manchester United at the Emirates in Arsenal’s next fixture on Saturday 30 January.

from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2YiBkXY