Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped for Saturday’s Premier League match with Southampton because of “a disciplinary breach”, said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
Aubameyang, 32, was a substitute in Monday’s defeat by Everton.
He was expected to play a part against Southampton but was not in the squad.
“I think we have been very consistent, that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club,” said Arteta.
Following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Southampton, Arteta refused to give more details on why Aubameyang was dropped.
The Athletic reported it was because he returned late from an authorised trip abroad.
“Whatever happens in the dressing room, I cannot share. I am sorry,” said Arteta.
“I’m telling you the reason, I cannot lie, it was that [a disciplinary breach]. This is where I stand. From my side, I will never say what the breach was.”
Asked if the club could impose a longer-term ban on Aubameyang, Arteta added: “It starts today [Saturday]. It’s not an easy situation, a situation we want, to have our club captain in that situation.”
It is not the first time Arteta has dropped Aubameyang for disciplinary reasons.
In March, the Gabon international missed the win over rivals Tottenham for a “breach of pre-match protocol”.
Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal for £56m from German side Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, signed a new three-year contract with the north London club last year.
This season, he has only scored four Premier League goals – with the last coming in October against Aston Villa.
‘It doesn’t look good for him’ – Analysis
Chris Sutton, speaking on Radio 5 Live
“I think Arsenal fans must be furious with Aubameyang if he’s breaking the rules. How can he stay on as club captain? It’s pretty remarkable isn’t it?
“Arteta must’ve known when he was interviewed before the game he was opening a big can of worms because he could’ve kept quiet. He chose not to keep quiet.
“It doesn’t look good for him, it’s twice this has happened.
“Arteta’s left him out for a disciplinary issue. They’re the facts. He’s got a history of this.”
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