Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not feature for Gabon at the Africa Cup of Nations
(Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been sent back to Arsenal by Gabon to undergo further examinations after health issues following his positive test for Covid-19.
Aubameyang tested positive for the virus after arriving in Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this month.
The forward subsequently missed Gabon’s opening game of the tournament, against Comoros, and he was also absent for their draw against Ghana last Friday.
Gabon confirmed before that match that Aubameyang would not be playing, explaining in a statement that he had “cardiac lesions” and they did not want to take any risks.
Arsenal have been in contact with Aubameyang and the Gabon medical team, and he is understood to be feeling okay.
The 32-year-old will, however, now return to Arsenal for more examinations after an announcement from Gabon on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, Gabon said: “The Gabonese Football Federation has decided to put the players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina at the disposal of their clubs to continue the in-depth examinations.”
Lemina quit international football after being sent home, writing on his Instagram page: “I don't care [about rumors]. I feel bad for my national team which is surrounded only by liars in search of a buzz.”
Gabon are next due to be in action on Tuesday afternoon, when they face Morocco in their final Group C game.
Aubameyang has not played for Arsenal since being frozen out of the first-team picture last month following Mikel Arteta’s decision to strip him of the captaincy due to a disciplinary breach.
