Aubameyang continues to train alone before AFCON exit

Arsenal blew past a weary Leeds United this weekend in the Premier League, but their former Captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was not in the squad and will train alone until he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Last week, Gabon international Aubameyang was removed as Gunners Captain after a string of disciplinary breaches that left boss Mikel Arteta with no choice but to make a change. Since then the striker has been away from the first-team squad and it seems it will stay this way until he travels to meet up with his international teammates.

After stripping the player of the Captaincy, Arteta stated he would not be available for that week’s game against West Ham and yesterdays away game against Leeds, it now looks like Aubameyang will not be seen in an Arsenal shirt until at least after the AFCON tournament.

With the club moving in a more youth-focused era, they look set to target a new striker within the new year, constantly being linked with players such as Serie A starlet, Dusan Vlahovic. With their former Captain being 32 now, tied with his continued breaching of protocols, an exit could very well be on the cards.

Despite the loss of Aubameyang, Arsenal have hit a good run of form, winning five out of their last six league games, spearheading them into the top four. Gunners fans may not be worried about the future of the player with the teams current form, and heading for the exit door may be the best option for both parties.