Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced that he has contracted Malaria.
The striker was a notable absentee from the matchday squad this evening as the Gunners face Slavia Prague in the second-leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final in the Czech Republic.
In the build-up to the game, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that he was unsure whether or not the Gabon international would be available for selection after missing Sunday evening's 3-0 win over Sheffield United through illness.
Now, Aubameyang has taken to social media to announce that he contracted the disease whilst on international duty with Gabon during the recent international break.
Aubameyang wrote on his Instagram page: "Hey guys, thanks for all the messages and calls. Unfortunately, I contracted Malaria whilst being on national team duty in Gabon a few weeks ago.
"I've spent a few days in hospital this week but I'm already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly.
"I wasn't really feeling myself the last couple of weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon.
"Will be watching my boys now, huge game for us! Let's go and get it @Arsenal."
It is possible that Arteta may comment on Aubameyang's current state of health during his post-match press conference now that the striker has taken to social media.
