Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has broken his silence on social media as he deals with the fallout of a disciplinary breach at Arsenal.
The forward has been stripped of the captaincy and overlooked for selection for the past three games.
Mikel Arteta has not eluded to what constituted the disciplinary breach but, has so far, frozen out the Gabon international.
Aubameyang is currently training on his own away from the squad which has cast doubt over his future.
In his absence Gabriel Martinelli has been afforded more minutes and stepped up impressively.
The Brazilian scored against West Ham United in midweek and then notched a brace against Leeds United at the weekend.
And it was messaging the young Arsenal forward that saw Aubameyang break his social media silence.
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"Gabinho," he wrote on Instagram, in reply to a post by the player celebrating Arsenal's 7000th goal.
The message no doubt a play on words to reference some of Martinelli's historic compatriots.
Martinelli has been used out wide with Alexandre Lacazette playing through the middle and being handed the captaincy by Arteta.
Aubameyang is expected to remain training solo until he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations.
It means he may not play for the Gunners once again until February, although a January switch away will no doubt be speculated.
Arteta has eluded to the reasons he took the captaincy off the 32-year-old.
“The decision we have taken as a club is very clear,” he said.
“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.”
It is not the first time Aubameyang has been reprimanded for a disciplinary breach as last season he was dropped for the north London derby.
Arteta admitted last week: “The decision that we made is really hurting, and it is still like this and it needs a bit of time to heal. So for now, he is not involved in the squad.”
