Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked well-wishers after confirming health issues affecting his mother has been behind his recent absence.
Aubameyang has missed Arsenal’s last two matches, Saturday’s FA Cup loss at Southampton and Tuesday night’s Premier League win over the same opponents.
Arsenal had not specified ahead of either match why the Gabonese hitman was missing, only declaring that it was a personal issue.
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Speaking on Tuesday evening, after the 3-1 win at St Mary’s, Mikel Arteta stated that he was uncertain when he would return.
“Auba is having a difficult time, we’re all behind him and this win is for him,” said Arteta.
A number of Arsenal teammates, including close pal Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe, both sent messages on social media to Aubameyang after the game too.
Alongside an image of him celebrating his third Premier League goal of the season, Pepe simply wrote: “For my brother.”
Lacazette’s message included Aubameyang’s squad number 14, with the captain responding with the words “my men”.
Now Aubameyang has divulged why he has been absent, and that his mother is feeling better after care from doctors.
He will now be back at the club’s training ground this week to prepare for Saturday’s meeting with Manchester United and thanks fans for their messages and support.
He said: “Hey guys, Thank you so much for all the messages and calls over the last few days.
“My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her. She’s 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 all of you and I can’t wait to be back.”
