Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed exiled star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left the club to join up with Gabon for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Reports on Thursday suggested the striker had linked up with his country for next month's tournament and would miss Arsenal's clash against league leaders Manchester City on Saturday.
Arteta, who is currently isolating with coronavirus and so conducted his pre-match press duties from home, confirmed that was the case with Aubameyang now away on international duty.
Mikel Arteta (R) confirmed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) has joined up with Gabon
Arteta stripped the centre forward of the captaincy following another disciplinary breach
The centre forward has been frozen out by the Gunners boss after he stripped the captaincy from him for another disciplinary breach, and Arteta refused to discuss whether Aubameyang has a future at the club.