Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after Goal revealed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss the clash with Southampton today.
What’s the story?
Well, Charles Watts writes that Aubameyang did not report for training at London Colney on Friday, with his reasons for doing so currently unclear.
However, there are suggestions that the 32-year-old is feeling unwell.
It comes after Mikel Arteta left Aubameyang on the bench for the 2-1 defeat against Everton, which caused Gary Neville to suggest an argument between the two may have taken place.
The £56m man was set to return to the starting XI after Alexandre Lacazette failed to impress, but that will no longer be the case.
Nevertheless, this isn’t awful news for the Gunners, given how Aubameyang has performed so far this season.
The Arsenal No.14 and captain has scored just four Premier League goals in 14 appearances, fewer than Teemu Pukki and Josh King.
Ever since he signed a new three-year contract in 2020, the 71-cap Gabon international’s form has nosedived in worrying fashion.
Aubameyang absence means Arsenal must try something new
Arteta saw Lacazette struggle against Everton, so it wouldn’t make much sense to hand the Frenchman another chance against Southampton.
What Arteta must do is use this situation as a window to try something different in attack for Arsenal.
We feel the Spaniard should adopt an energetic, youthful trio of Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka against the Saints.
In our view, there is a fantastic blend of raw pace, dribbling ability and goal threat in that attack, and it’s certainly worth trying out for Arsenal.
Who knows? Should the trio click against Ralph Hasenhuttl, it could be the start of something special for the Gunners.
For now, let’s see what the Arsenal fans on Twitter have been saying about Aubameyang’s absence…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
