Mikel Arteta has told the Arsenal squad it is time to step up and deliver in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker was sent off during Arsenal’s draw to Crystal Palace on Saturday after VAR upgraded his yellow card to a red for a tackle on Max Meyer.
The Gunners lobbied the FA to reduce Aubameyang’s three-game ban but they have failed and the Gabon international will miss matches against Sheffield United, Chelsea and Bournemouth.
It leaves Arsenal without their top scorer, who has struck 16 times this season, and Arteta has challenged others to step up in his absence.
“Auba has been around, he was very sad after the game. He was disappointed that he left the team with 10 men,” said Arteta.
“It's an action that is completely accidental in my opinion. He's been superb under me, he's trained really well, he's working so hard. He's scoring goals and has probably been the most important player on the team. So to lose him, obviously, is really bad news for us.
“I hope we can play better and even win the games and he will be pushing for that as well. Players have to step up. You know, when one of your big players is not there, they have to take responsibility. I'm sure when they're not playing, they want a chance and they talk.
“It's time to talk on the pitch, not outside. You come on there, you make the impact that he made and you sure me that you are as good as him or even better. You have the chance.”
One player who Arteta will hope can deliver in Aubameyang’s absence is fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has been struggling for goals of late, however, and has not found the net since December 12.
Arteta, however, has backed Lacazette to find his feet again in the coming matches.
“You can help him by talking to him and giving him confidence, but that ball has to end up in the net,” he said.
“I think that’s the best medicine for strikers. What we have to try to do is put Laca in positions where he can have as many opportunities to do that as possible during a game.
