Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been diagnosed with heart lesions after recovering from Covid-19 at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Arsenal forward was ruled out of Gabon’s 1-1 draw against Ghana on Friday.
The “cardiac lesions” were found in a check by Confederation of African Football (CAF) medical officials, the Gabonese FA said in a statement. Officials examined Aubameyang after he returned following a positive Covid test. Two of his Gabon teammates, forward Axel Meyé and midfielder Mario Lemina, who were both also found to have the same issue.
Aubameyang tested positive at an airport on arrival in Cameroon last week and was put into isolation. The 32-year-old missed Gabon’s first game of the tournament, a 1-0 win over Comoros. He tested negative for the virus and left isolation two days before the Ghana game and had been expected to return to the team.
The Athletic (£) reports that Arsenal’s doctors are thought to have spoken to Gabon’s medical team about the diagnosis, and have been reassured the player is feeling well and the situation is not serious.
Bayern’s Davies to miss Canada qualifiers
Alphonso Davies will miss three World Cup qualifiers for Canada due to signs of heart muscle inflammation after contracting Covid-19.
Earlier on Friday, Davies was ruled out “for some time” by Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann after signs of mild myocarditis were detected. The 21-year-old wing-back tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in January.
Canada Soccer has now confirmed that Davies will miss games against Honduras, USA and El Salvador between 27 January and 2 February. The news is a blow for a Canada side that lead the final round of Concacaf qualifying and are closing in on a place at the 2022 World Cup.
