Arsenal take on Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang remains suspended for this match.
The Gabon international was shown a red card after the intervention of VAR during the draw vs Crystal Palace but the Gunners chose to appeal against the decision in order to roll back the ban.
But on Wednesday, Arsenal lost the ban meaning Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang will miss the next five league matches for Arsenal.
Aubameyang has been the star performer for the Gunners this season having netted 14 goals in just 22 matches for the club and speaking about his absence, Mikel Arteta has explained that he is yet to experience how his team play without the forward which is why he cannot really gauge the impact right now.
The manager said via the club’s official website: “It has been confirmed that he is going to be suspended for three games. So we’re not going to have the player for the next three fixtures.
“It’s a big shame and a big loss for us because as well we know Auba’s intention when he plays. But unfortunately, he mistimed the tackle, he made a decision and we have to accept it.
“Auba has been around, he was very sad after the game. He was disappointed that he left the team with 10 men. It’s an action that is completely accidental in my opinion. He’s been superb under me, he’s trained really well, he’s working so hard.
“He’s scoring goals and has probably been the most important player on the team. So to lose him, obviously, is really bad news for us.
“I don’t know. I haven’t experienced it[playing with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang]. I hope not, I hope we can play better and even win the games and he will be pushing for that as well.
“Players have to step up. You know, when one of your big players is not there, they have to take responsibility. I’m sure when they’re not playing, they want a chance and they talk. It’s time to talk on the pitch, not outside.
“You come on there, you make the impact that he made and you sure me that you are as good as him or even better. You have the chance.”
But while speaking about the suspension, the Arsenal boss has pointed out that players like Martinelli will have the chance to prove their worth to the squad on Saturday.
He added: “He’s[Martinelli] having an impact every time he’s coming on, but it’s not just him.
“It’s others players like Reiss and Nico too, so whoever players there on Saturday has to step in and has to be thinking that they need to make the difference for the team.”
