Report: £56m Arsenal star set to miss Southampton clash

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks likely to miss Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Southampton.

According to Goal.com journalist Charles Watts, the Gunners striker missed Friday’s training session at London Colney.

Aubameyang was training as normal at the start of the week – as late as Thursday, in fact.

Watts adds that it’s unclear why Aubameyang didn’t report for training on Friday.

However, there are suggestions the £56million ace could be unwell.

Arteta is set to plan for the game against Saints without his skipper in mind, added the report.

Fresh Arsenal blow hands Arteta big dilemma

Aubameyang was on the bench against Everton on Monday night and only came on in the latter stages of the 2-1 loss.

The Gabon international was nonetheless tipped to return to the starting XI against Southampton.

Alexandre Lacazette struggled to make an impact at Goodison Park.

In addition, Arteta is limited in terms of other centre-forward options.

Admittedly, Aubameyang has also struggled in recent weeks – his last goal came in October against Aston Villa.

Arteta could potentially stick with Lacazette up front, try Gabriel Martinelli at No.9, or maybe even give Folarin Balogun a chance.

Nonetheless, with alarm bells ringing once again at the Emirates Stadium, it’s really not ideal for the manager.