Arsenal have been dealt with a massive blow as Aubameyang along with Thomas Partey are injury doubts for their clash vs Liverpool.
Aubameyang returned to London early from international duty and immediately there were fears of an injury. But several reports on Thursday had claimed that the return was pre-planned and that the forward is perfectly fit.
But now the Arsenal boss has revealed that the return was not planned earlier and that Aubameyang has actually picked up a knock, putting him in doubt for the Liverpool game on Saturday.
“No it wasn’t pre-planned [for Auba to fly home early], we have to assess him and see how he is and make a decision,” the manager told the press.
“We have a lot players who have been through some different games, issues, little injuries, so today we have to test everybody and see how we are to play tomorrow.
“Same again [for Partey], he could not play for the national team, he really tried to do that because they had a massive game and he really pushed for that one, but he wasn’t close enough to do that.
“Again, it’s something we have to assess today.”
🗣 "It wasn't pre-planned, we need to assess him"
Mikel Arteta provides updates on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thomas Partey and also shares his thoughts on Aaron Ramsdale's England debut ahead of Arsenal's trip to Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/3ckaNjKUwX
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 19, 2021
Will Aubameyang and Thomas Partey play this weekend?
Aubameyang and Thomas Partey have been two pillars for Arsenal’s success in the past few months so if they are missing then it will be a huge blow for the manager.
And this isn’t any other side which the Gunners will be facing. Liverpool have lost only a single league match this season and if both Auba and Partey are missing then it will be next to impossible for Arsenal to cause an upset.
Things could not have gotten any worse for the manager as this is the perfect opportunity for the North London side to beat one of the best sides in Europe and then move above them in the league table.
If Aubameyang cannot be available for selection then Lacazette will move to the centre-forward’s role meaning Martin Odegaard will get a chance to start in the No 10 role.
Thomas Partey’s absence is even a bigger crisis since Granit Xhaka is already on the sidelines meaning someone like Elneny will pair up with Lokonga in defensive midfield. And unfortunately, this second-rated pairing is nowhere close to keeping the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane at bay.