Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not available for selection this week as the saga between the pair rumbles on.
The Arsenal boss left his striker out of the team to play Southampton last week, citing disciplinary issues as the reason.
Aubameyang was again overlooked for the midweek win over West Ham United as Alexandre Lacazette started in attack and wore the captain's armband.
Arsenal head to Elland Road to face Leeds United this weekend but the Gabon international will, once again, not be considered when Arteta picks his team.
The Spaniard was quizzed on whether Aubameyang would play at Leeds earlier this week and responded: “No news. He wasn't eligible for this game and that's it.”
Arteta has now stated that the striker's omission will continue.
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Aubameyang, who signed a new deal 18 months ago, has been stripped of the captaincy in north London so will not reprise the armband if and when he does return to the fold.
Arteta explained his reasons behind the decision, saying: “The decision we have taken as a club is very clear.
“It is because we believe he has failed to be committed as the level we all expect and agree. It is as simple as that.
“What I expect from any person in this football club, that is representing this badge, is passion and that he gives absolutely 100%, that he puts the club in front of any personal interests and is able to do anything to fulfil the badge we have on the chest.
"Apart from that, you can listen to individuals and you can understand different cultures, but that commitment and passion has to be there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.”
Aubameyang is due to jet off for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming weeks.
It means he may not play again for Arsenal until February, depending on how deep Gabon go into the tournament.
The current situation is not the first time Arteta has had to take firm action with Aubameyang.
Last season before the north London derby the striker was left on the bench, with disciplinary issues again cited.
Nevertheless, Arteta has confirmed he has not enjoyed taking such firm action with his player this week.
He said: “I wouldn’t like to be in this position, not with him but with any player to make this kind of decision. Because at the end the [remit] of a coach is when you are trying to help a player to become a better person, to be happy, to be fulfilled as a player and to enjoy that on the pitch.
“At the moment, with that decision, Auba is not going to be able to do that. For me it is just sadness.”
