Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the club captaincy following a disciplinary breach last week. Aubameyang was left out of the squad for Saturday’s match against Southampton, and Arsenal confirmed their decision to remove the forward as captain on Tuesday.The critical incident occurred last week when Aubameyang sought permission to travel to France. His intention was to visit his mother. The club allowed Auba to travel but only under the condition that he returns on Wednesday night so he would report for training on Thursday.Aubameyang joining Gallas and Xhaka in Arsenal’s ‘stripped of captaincy’ club, rather than the Fabregas/van Persie/Koscielny ‘forcing a move’ after being made captain club and the Vermaelen/Mertesacker ‘constantly injured after being made captain’ club.— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) December 14, 2021 Aubameyang did not return on Wednesday. Instead, he caught an early flight on Thursday morning. He came in time for training, but as far as Arsenal were concerned, the infraction had already occurred. For manager Mikel Arteta – it was too much.The club issued a brief statement on the African superstar on the official website.”Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United. We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”Will there be a way back for Aubameyang at Arsenal? It was going to be a long road indeed.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 17Tuesday22.45: (3.15) Norwich (3.20) Aston Villa (2.50)23.00: (1.15) Man.City (10.0) Leeds (18.0)Wednesday22.30: (2.15) Crystal Palace (3.40) Southampton (3.70)22.30: (2.25) Burnley (3.35) Watford (3.50)22.30: (2.50) Brighton (3.00) Wolverhampton (3.40)23.00: (2.35) Arsenal (3.40) West Ham (3.25)Thursday22.30: (2.25) Leicester (3.50) Tottenham (3.35)22.45: (1.30) Chelsea (5.80) Everton (12.0)23.00: (1.15) Liverpool (10.0) Newcastle (18.0)***odds are subjecto to change
