Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Sky Sports that Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was ‘at the training ground’ yesterday, as he battles back from injury.
Aubameyang has been suffering from malaria, which has left the Arsenal striker sidelined in recent weeks.
The time frame on his recovery is still not clear, but Arteta insists that the Arsenal forward is making good progress.
And he says the Gunners captain was actually at London Colney yesterday, as he steps up his recovery.
“I have spoken to him many times,” Arteta said. “He was at the training ground yesterday for the first time.
“He’s still being checked by the doctors, it’s taking him a while. It’s a difficult disease to go through. He had some tough moments and we just want to give him every single tool to make him available and fit as quick as possible, because we need him.”
Aubameyang’s form has dipped badly this season, but having him back for the run in would be a major boost.
Arsenal have made good progress in the Europa League, and having a player of Aubameyang’s experience would surely be helpful to the squad in what will be a hugely pressurised game against Villarreal.
Aubameyang’s absence does provide some other Arsenal players with a chance of impress, though.
The likes of Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun could all receive increased game time, with Aubameyang on the sidelines.
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