Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return for Arsenal's next Premier League game against West Ham, after missing Saturday's win over Southampton due to disciplinary issues.
The 32-year-old was a substitute in Monday's defeat to Everton but didn't train ahead of the match against Saints at Emirates Stadium, prompting speculation that he was set to miss the crunch fixture in north London.
Aubameyang was left at home for the game and Arteta revealed before kick off that the Gabon captain would not take part after breaking club protocol.
"I think we have been very consistent, that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club," said Arteta.
"Whatever happens in the dressing room, I cannot share. I am sorry," said Arteta.
"I'm telling you the reason, I cannot lie, it was that [a disciplinary breach]. This is where I stand. From my side, I will never say what the breach was."
Asked if the club could impose a longer-term ban on Aubameyang, Arteta nodded when asked if it would be just a one-match absence:
"It starts today [Saturday]. It's not an easy situation, a situation we want, to have our club captain in that situation."
Aubameyang was previously dropped for disciplinary reasons in March, when the Gabon international missed the win over rivals Tottenham for a "breach of pre-match protocol".
The striker joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and signed a new three-year in September 2020.
He's scored four Premier League goals this season but has struggled for form in recent games.
