Mikel Arteta told his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League showdown with Southampton that ‘it would be a problem’ if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out for a long period.
The Mirror have claimed that the Arsenal attacker will be out of tonight’s clash after also missing their FA Cup defeat from the weekend because of ‘personal matters’.
A number of weeks ago, Arsenal fans would have felt that Aubameyang being out of the starting XI was a plus because of his poor form, but after his brace against Newcastle, it’s not ideal that he’s now missing matches.
Arteta understands the value of the Gabon international and was coy about whether he was going to feature today despite the report emerging.
“Of course it would be a problem because he is our top striker,” said Arteta. “And the one who scores more goals.
“He’s our captain and a really important player in the team. But we have to respect the timings.
“I don’t have enough information right now to see how things are evolving. And, hopefully, things will go in the right direction.”
For Aubameyang, personally, he needs to be back on that pitch because he just found some much-needed sharpness against Newcastle.
If Arsenal can get him firing again on a consistent basis, added with the youngsters who are thriving, then Arteta might not be heading the same way as a certain Frank Lampard.
But if he doesn’t, and Arsenal’s form continues to be indifferent, then Arteta might just join Lampard in the P45 room before the season is up.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
