Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not be part of Gabon’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against Egypt, according to reports.
The forward scored in his side’s 1-0 win over Libya and despite the win last Friday, the Panthers’ hopes of progressing to the FIFA tournament in Qatar came to an end.
They are four points behind leaders Egypt, making the last fixture against the Pharaohs inconsequential.
According to Gabonese newspaper L’Union, the 32-year-old travelled with the rest of the players to Alexandria, Egypt. Upon his arrival there, the Gunners player ‘flew to London on a charted flight’.
There’s no explanation provided for why the former Borussia Dortmund man decided to return to England.
L’Union’s claims are relayed by Afrik-Foot, who then say that some sources cite an injury as the reason for his early return, while others suggest an agreement between Arsenal and Fegafoot [Gabonese Football Association]. The latter, as per the report, ‘seems very plausible’.
Arsenal host Newcastle United on Saturday and Mikel Arteta will be hoping Aubameyang is fit for the clash against the Magpies.
