Mikel Arteta has declined to say whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be eligible for Arsenal’s next Premier League game as the forward’s exile continues.
Aubameyang was not considered for selection on December 15 when Arsenal beat West Ham 2-0 at Emirates Stadium to jump into the top four.
It was the second straight game Aubameyang missed in a week that has seen him stripped of the club’s captaincy following a lack of discipline.
Following the victory over the Hammers, BT Sport asked Arteta if Aubameyang would feature in Arsenal’s next game.
The head coach replied: “I was not eligible for this game [vs. West Ham] and that is. This game is over. We will discuss it in the near future. “
Arteta also praised his team’s response in the midst of a tumultuous week, saying: “They were totally focused. They wanted to show how strong we are as a team. The performance, attitude and commitment they showed today is exactly who we are as a club.” . .
“I hope that all the players uphold our values. We will talk about [Aubameyang] another day. Today I want to talk about the game. “
What did Aubameyang do?
Arteta initially eliminated the forward for Arsenal’s game against Southampton at the weekend after he was absent from training the day before.
After the 3-0 win over the Saints, Arsenal issued a statement saying that Aubameyang he had been stripped of the club’s captaincy and would also not be considered for selection against the Hammers.
In the statement, Arteta said: “The decision we have made as a club is very clear. It is because we believe that he has not committed to the level that we all hope and agree to.
“That commitment and passion has to be there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.”
Arsenal will be in action against Leeds for their 18th game of the season on Saturday 18 December, as they look to consolidate their grip on a spot in the top four.