The Arsenal boss hinted that the striker may not play against West Ham United.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hinted that he might not choose to play Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against West Ham on Sunday, in news that will surely be greeted with a huge sigh of relief in east London, as quoted by Football.London.
The Gabon international has been a revelation for the Gunners, since completing his £60 million move from Borussia Dortmund in January, scoring six goals in nine appearances in all competitions thus far.
Wenger hinted that he may opt to play the same team on Sunday that he has in mind for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid, in an attempt to keep his players mentally focused, as quoted by Football.London:
“I haven’t decided that but anyway he can’t play on Thursday so I am not sure whether to play him on Sunday. No, I would say this weekend is as well a preparation for Thursday. I rested some players after the Moscow game, and they will need a game. It’s not so much rest, it’s more preparation.”
Aubameyang is obviously cup tied for the Europa League clash, leaving Wenger with the choice of either Danny Welbeck or Alexandre Lacazette to fulfil the centre-forward role.
Leaving the 28-year-old out against the Hammers will be a huge risk for Wenger, with Burnley sitting just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table.
The Frenchman has plenty of quality in reserve, however, and the Hammers will surely be in for a tough afternoon, regardless of who plays for the Gunners.
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