Footballer writer Charles Watts has revealed why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Arsenal early amidst reports of an injury.
Earlier on in the international break, the Gunner scored from the spot for Gabon in a 1-0 win over Libya. However, he was not in the squad for his nation’s next match – a 2-1 loss against Egypt.
Due to this, reports emerged claiming Aubameyang could be suffering from an injury. The striker did end up flying back to London Colney early, however, Watts has revealed this was already planned.
While speaking on his own YouTube channel, the journalist explained that if there was nothing riding on Gabon’s second game – which was the case as they could no longer qualify for the World Cup – then the Arsenal captain would not play in that match.
He said: “Stories emerged from Africa that instead of staying with the Gabon team, he got a private jet back to London. Now, there were rumours about a possible injury for Auba, but I’m being told that is not the case and that he is fine.
“He’s training today at London Colney. And it was just a sort of pre-planned thing with Gabon for him to come back early, should they not do enough in that first game – or should results not go their way in the first game that would leave the second game with something riding on it.
“It didn’t. They didn’t qualify because of results elsewhere, that meant that the second game didn’t have anything on it. And because of that, Gabon agreed to release him early and he has flown back to Arsenal.
“So he is training; he’s not injured, as far as I’m aware. I’ve been told he’s training today at London Colney and he is fine to play on Saturday, so good news on that front.”
TIF Thoughts on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arsenal…
Aubameyang has been a part of an extremely in-form Arsenal team of late. With four goals to his name, the 32-year-old has played in 10 league games this season – only losing twice.
Is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still Arsenal’s best striker?
Yes
No
Despite this run of good performances, Mikel Arteta and co face a stern test this weekend when they come up against Liverpool in the Premier League.
No doubt, the Spanish manager will want all his key players available and fit. This would explain why Arsenal planned to have their captain come back to the club early from international duty if possible, so this is a pretty positive update from Watts.
Who knows, that extra bit of rest could give Aubameyang the edge over his opponents on Saturday.
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