After missing the game against Everton, in which Arsenal came out 2-1 losers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been ruled out of the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester City through injury.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the news in a press conference, saying: “Auba is not fit for tomorrow, that’s for sure. (He) is feeling much better. He was more positive yesterday (Sunday) than in the previous two days.
“He will have another scan in the next few days, and we will see how quickly we can get him back in the team.
“He knows how important he is for us, he feels the responsibility, and he is trying his best to be fit as quick as possible.”
Aubameyang Ruled Out of Manchester City Game
Big Miss for Arsenal
The news of the injury is a major blow for Arsenal at the worst time possible. Just as Aubameyang seemed to rediscover his goalscoring touch against Southampton, injury has struck.
Arsenal’s predicament is bad enough as it is. Without Aubameyang, it will only get worse. The hope from Arteta’s point of view will be that the forward will be fit in time for the Gunners’ Boxing Day clash with Chelsea.
If he isn’t, one must think Arsenal’s chances of taking anything from that game are as slim as ever.
Chance for Martinelli to Take to the Spotlight Once More
As ever in football, one man’s injury could be another man’s opportunity. And, in this case, an opportunity for Gabriel Martinelli to re-establish himself in this Arsenal side in Aubameyang’s absence.
The Gunners have been crying out for a creative spark, and the Brazilian could be exactly that. In place of the ruled out Aubameyang, the young striker could make his own emphatic return from an extended spell on the sidelines against Manchester City.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
