Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang withdraws from Gabon squad with injury

Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 29, 2020 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores a penalty to win the penalty shootout and the FA Community Shield [Pool via REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge]

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has pulled out of Gabon's squad for their upcoming match with Benin due to an ankle injury.

The 31-year-old picked up the injury during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Sheffield United at the weekend but was hopeful of recovering in time to represent his country on Sunday.

Sadly for Aubameyang, he has now withdrawn from international duty completely and will not travel to Lisbon for the friendly fixture.

Gabon coach Patrice Neveu was aware after calling up Aubameyang that the striker may be unavailable due to the knock.

Neveu told RFI : "Aubameyang suffers from a small sprained ankle, contracted on Sunday, during the Premier League match against Sheffield.

"The Arsenal doctor sent me a certificate indicating his unavailability. He is in care for a week."

Arsenal now face an anxious wait to see whether Aubameyang will be fit in time for their trip to the Etihad to face Man City on October 17.

Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 29, 2020 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates winning the penalty shootout and winning the FA Community Shield [Pool via REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge]

The Gunners already look to be without defender Kieran Tierney for the Premier League clash after he was forced into self-isolation for 14 days due to a positive coronavirus in the Scotland camp.

Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong found he had contracted the virus and had already come into contact with Tierney and three others.

Tierney's period of quarantine officially means he will not be available for the match with City, but Arsenal are now contesting the ruling.

A statement from Arsenal read: "Our medical team have confirmed that Kieran was socially distant at all times from the player who tested positive and has broken no rules regarding Covid-19 protocols.

"We are currently seeking further advice and clarification of the details."

Meanwhile Arsenal have submitted their squad to UEFA for the upcoming Europa League group stages and have omitted Mesut Ozil from selection.

The German midfielder will be forbidden from taking part in any of Arsenal's matches in the competition until at least the knockout phase, in what is the clearest sign yet that his time at the club is over.

Defender Sokratis has also missed out, as too has £27m signing William Saliba.