Unai Emery has revealed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been struggling with sickness.
The Arsenal striker has only mad the bench in the last two matches, the win over Newcastle and Sunday’s defeat to Everton .
Alexandre Lacazette started in both matches and appeared to have emerged as Unai Emery’s first-choice striker.
Gunners fans questioned Emery’s decision to start Aubameyang on the bench at Goodison Park, with the Gabon international introduced at half-time with his side trailing 1-0.
Arsenal return to Europa League action as they take on Napoli in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates and Emery has suggested Aubameyang could return.
(Image: Getty Images)
“He’s getting better and can start,” the Arsenal boss said.
“He had a small problem and he has taken antibiotics for his illness.
“That’s the main reason he didn’t start those two matches.”
Emery will also make a late decision over the fitness of Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
The pair haven’t played since the international break with Koscielny recovering from a foot problem, while Xhaka has been struggling with a groin injury.
Mesut Ozil may be dropped to the bench following his antics at Goodison Park, where he threw his coat at Emery and Marco Silva as they clashed on the touchline.
“We are always demanding of ourselves, for me playing under pressure is normal,” said Emery.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
“We are being consistent a lot at the moment. This match is a big-level match, and the level we want to play. It’s a very big test for us in this competition.
“We want to play the best teams and Napoli now is one of the best teams, with the best players and also a very experienced coach.”
