Mikel Arteta has confirmed that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been left out the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton due to disciplinary reasons.
The 32-year-old has been in and out of the team this season amid persistent rumours surrounding his future, while he has not scored a Premier League goal since October 22.
Aubameyang featured for only five minutes against Everton last time out, squandering a late chance to earn a point for his side, and he has been left out of the squad altogether for this afternoon's meeting with Southampton.
Speaking in his pre-match interview, Arteta confirmed that the skipper's omission is due to a "disciplinary breach", with Aubameyang having also missed training on Friday.
"Unfortunately due to a disciplinary breach. I think we have been very consistent that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club, and he's not involved today," he told reporters.
When asked whether the breach would result in just a one-game absence, Arteta hinted that it may last longer, adding: "It starts today."
Arsenal will also be without Emile Smith Rowe, who is only fit enough for the bench, while Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line and captain the side in Aubameyang's absence.
ARSENAL STARTING XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
SUBS: Okonkwo, Holding, Cedric, Tavares, Lokonga, Maitland-Niles, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Nketiah
