Arsenal captain Aubameyang reveals he has contracted malaria
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he is in hospital due to contracting malaria while he was on international duty with Gabon in March.
The Arsenal captain missed Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win at Sheffield United and was also absent for the Gunners’ Europa League quarter-final second leg clash with Slavia Prague on Thursday night. The club attributed his absence to “illness” without specifying the details.
Just moments before his team-mates kicked off in the Czech capital, the Gabon international posted the news of his illness on Instagram.
“Hey guys, thanks for all the messages and calls,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately I contracted Malaria whilst being on national team duty in Gabon a few weeks ago. I’ve spent a few days in hospital this week but I’m already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly.
“I wasn’t really feeling myself the last couple weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon! Will be watching my boys now, huge game for us! Let‘s go and get it @arsenal.”
Aubameyang started the first leg against Slavia on the bench but came on to set up Nicolas Pepe as the game finished 1-1.
It remains to be seen how long the 31-year-old will now be sidelined.
Aubameyang comparisons with Ozil dismissed
While the reasons for Aubameyang’s absence are now clear, there have been concerns about his form when he has been available.
He has not performed as well since signing a bumper new contract in the summer. It has led to fears he could become another Mesut Ozil.
But Mikel Arteta denied those comparisons recently.
He said: “I’m always positive about the future. But once you think about things that happen in the past or compare different situations and personalities I won’t do that.”
Asked whether Aubameyang was committed to the Gunners’ cause, the Spaniard added: “Totally.”
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