Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to miss league game at Southampton

Arsenal have confirmed that club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unavailable for Tuesday night’s Premier League clash with Southampton for family reasons.

Aubameyang had already missed the FA Cup draw against the same opposition this weekend, with manager Mikel Arteta explaining that the club must respect the situation.

“He has to fix this problem,” said the Gunners boss just after the cup loss. “We will see how it evolves. We are here and we must support him – he must take the necessary time because it is a priority at the moment.

The 31-year-old will be sidelined again as Arsenal look to make amends for the loss to the Saints on their second trip to St Mary’s in a few days.

Aubameyang was already struggling in a difficult season. After scoring 54 times in his first 85 Premier League appearances, his rate has fallen to just five in 17 league games in 2020/21.

While discussing his form last month, he vowed to continue to do his best to stay positive.

“I’m doing my best and so far it hasn’t been the best performance on my part, but I’m still positive, I think I can turn the tide and that’s what I’m trying to do with the team, ”Auba told Arsenal.com.

“I always try to give the best of myself, not only on the pitch but also in the locker room for the guys. Sometimes it’s tough and maybe you’re not in a good mood, but you have to find a way to change it and give the guys a positive vibe and I’m trying to do that. I’m doing my best.”

He scored a brace in his last Premier League appearance as Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-0, as they scored against the same opposition in the FA Cup nine days earlier. A rotating selection saw Gabriel Martinelli take on the usual role of skipper on the left in the Southampton draw.

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