Report: Mikel Arteta to give ‘superb’ Arsenal player a chance in tomorrow’s Europa League clash

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will reportedly recall Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for tomorrow’s Europa League last-16 second leg, according to The Times.

The Gunners captain was a surprise omission from the team in last Sunday’s North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta citing a disciplinary issue as the reason.

It was a bold decision from the Arsenal boss, but it didn’t backfire as the Gunners ran out 2-1 winners over Tottenham Hotspur.

Arteta’s side fell behind to an Erik Lamela goal, but turned the game round through Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty.

Aubameyang is said to have been angered by Arteta’s strict approach, but the Arsenal striker is now set to start against Olympiakos tomorrow, claims The Times.

On Wednesday, Arteta insisted “everything has been resolved” with Aubameyang after talks, but said he cannot guarantee the Arsenal captain will start.

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Arteta has won plaudits for last Sunday’s decision, with the likes of Paul Merson and Lee Dixon both praising the boss.

In all fairness, Arteta has previously shown he’s not afraid to make bold decisions on players – Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi to name but two.

The onus is now on Aubameyang to prove to Arteta that he’s worthy of regaining his spot in the starting XI.

No doubt there’ll be a big reaction from him against Olympiakos, hopefully one that’ll prompt Arteta to deem him “superb” like he did against Leeds.