Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ruled out of Gabon AFCON game due to heart issue

Gabon were without their talisman and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who missed the 1-1 draw against Ghana due to a condition CAF describe as “heart lesions”.

LondonWorld understands the decision to leave the Arsenal star out of the second game was precautionary.

This is on top of the fact that he tested positive for Covid when he touched down in Cameroon, and missed the first game against Comoros.

What has Gabon said about his condition?

The Gabon Football Federation confirmed that the decision to leave Aubameyang was a safety-first decision, after a routine medical check from CAF showed cardiac lesions.

Former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, who now plays for Nice, as well as striker Axel Meye, who plays his football with Moroccan side IR Tanger, were all left out for the same reason.

Gabon head coach says it’s a small issue

After leading his team to impressive four points from a possible six, coach Patrice Neveu admitted he only found out that he could not count on Aubameyang just a couple of hours before the game.

He said: “I received a phone call from CAF just a few hours into the game that I could not use three of my players because of a ‘small issue’ and we took the precaution.”

Has Arsenal done anything?

LondonWorld understands that the Arsenal medical team has been in contact with Aubameyang and CAF to ascertain the full details, and believe the player is well and feeling fine.