Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the availability of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Arsenal's fixture against Manchester United on Saturday.
The Gunners captain revealed on Wednesday that he has had to tend to his mother who is currently suffering from illness.
As a result the Gabon striker has missed both his team's games against Southampton in the FA Cup and Premier League.
And now Arteta has provided the latest on whether he will be able to make his return at the weekend.
"I don’t know," said the Spaniard. "I spoke with him yesterday. Things are looking better at the moment but we’re gonna have to wait and see."
The Gunners boss went on to reveal how desperate he was to see the 32-year-old make his return as soon as he is ready.
"Yes, he’s our captain and one of the most important players," he said. "We are doing everything we can to have him as quickly as possible."
"But understanding that he’s been through difficult days that he had to support his family. We were here to support him as well with the time that he needed to get that sorted."
It is unclear whether Aubameyang had to travel abroad to be alongside his mother who is Spanish.
When asked about whether this was the case Arteta remained relatively coy.
"He had to support his family and he had to be with them," said the Spaniard.
When pressed on whether that meant the Arsenal captain would have to quarantine upon return he replied: "I don’t know what will happen."
Arteta also praised the unity shown by his players after Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe dedicated their goals to the absent forward in Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Southampton.
"That’s what we always talk about and what we expect to do for each other," he said.
"When someone is going through difficulties that we all stand for him. Protect him, give him our love, and be right behind him because it’s what is needed. "
