Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after arriving in Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gabon international was seen in Dubai with teammate Mario Lemina before the pair travelled to Cameroon.
Former Southampton and Fulham midfielder Lemina has also contracted the virus and the duo will now need to isolate ahead of their first game of the competition.
It's been a difficult past month for the 32-year-old after Mikel Arteta stripped him of the Arsenal captaincy following a recent disciplinary breach.
He hasn't featured for the Gunners since their 2-1 loss to Everton in early December.
Since then, Arsenal have seen an upturn in results in all competitions, qualifying for the semi-final of the Carabao Cup as well as recording four wins in five games in the Premier League with just one loss in that time, against table-toppers Manchester City.
Aubameyang is assessing his options in this transfer window with Arsenal open to offers for their former captain, football.london understands.
Arteta remains coy on whether Aubameyang could be involved but football.london has been told that the Spaniard wants to avoid a repeat of the situation with Mesut Ozil from last season.
Nevertheless, despite all the ongoing issues at Arsenal, his absence is a big blow for his national team.
Gabon are due to face Comoros in their first game of the tournament on Monday, with both Aubameyang and Lemina now expected to be in isolation.
They then face Ghana next Friday [January 14] where Aubameyang is expected to match up against Gunners teammate Thomas Partey.
Gabon's final game of the group stage is against Morocco on Tuesday, January 18.
