Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has provided an update on the reason behind his recent absence for Arsenal.
The Gabon international had to withdraw suddenly from the Gunners' squad to face Southampton in the FA Cup and also went on to miss the Premier League clash against the same opposition on Tuesday.
The club revealed that their captain was missing due to a personal family matter, that Mikel Arteta admitted could go on for some time.
And now Aubameyang has come out on social media to expand on the nature of the matter.
In a social media post the 32-year-old revealed that his mother has been suffering with illness recently and that he had had to miss Arsenal matches to be alongside her.
"Hey guys. Thank you so much for all messages and calls over the last few days," the statement read.
"My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her. She is already much better now and I will be back home tonight.
"I'm more than grateful to the doctors and nurses for helping her get through this.
"And of course thanks to my Arsenal fam for the love yesterday! I'm more determined than ever to keep our momentum going!
"Thank you all again - I really am beyond blessed to receive this level of support and love from you all and I can't wait to be back."
His reference to the support of his teammates comes after Bukayo Saka, Alex Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe all dedicated their goals to the Gunners skipper in the 3-1 win over Southampton on Tuesday night.
Speaking after the match Mikel Arteta revealed that the tough time Aubameyang was going through has helped show the togetherness of his team.
"I love how they support each other and how they just protect each other," he said.
"Auba is having some difficult times and we are all behind him and this win in his for him."
It is unclear whether Aubameyang will be back in time to face Manchester United on Saturday.
