Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become the latest Arsenal captain to be stripped of the armband after a further breach of the club’s rules.
Aubameyang, 32, was informed of the decision on Monday and will not be considered for selection by the manager, Mikel Arteta, for Wednesday’s Premier League game at home to West Ham United.
The striker was dropped from Saturday’s 3-0 win against Southampton after returning late from a trip abroad, with Arteta citing “disciplinary” issues before kick-off.
Arsenal confirmed the news in a club statement, saying: “We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.”
Speaking of the club’s decision, Arteta said: “I don’t have much more to say. It’s a decision we made following the last incident with the player and this is where we stand.”
Alexandre Lacazette led the team against Southampton in Aubameyang’s absence and Arteta said the club now had a strong “leadership group” — part of the culture he wanted to bring.
Emergency measures
The Premier League said on Monday it was re-introducing “emergency measures” after a record 42 cases among players and staff at clubs over the past week, shortly before Manchester United’s game against Brentford was called off due to an outbreak at the Old Trafford club.
From Wednesday, fans will need to show proof of double vaccination. Also clubs will need daily testing, face coverings and stricter social distancing.
