Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expected to start against Napoli after taking antibiotics for virus

Aubameyang started the Gunners’ last two matches on the bench.
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley10 April 2019

Unai Emery has revealed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been taking antibiotics for a virus but expects the striker to be fit to face Napoli.

The 29-year-old started the Gunners’ last two matches on the bench but took part in a full training session at London Colney this morning.

Emery was criticised in some quarters for leaving out his top goalscorer but the Arsenal head coach revealed: “The first reason [he was benched] is because he had a small problem and he has taken antibiotics for his illness.

"That’s the main reason he didn’t start those two matches. For tomorrow, he’s getting better and can start or can play after.”

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Arsenal face Napoli in their Europa League quarter-final, first leg clash at Emirates Stadium on Thursday and Emery admitted a victory is vital in the context of his team’s poor away form.

The Gunners have won 14 of their last 15 matches in all competitions at home but on the road they have struggled badly, tasting success in just five Premier League games all season and losing the away leg of their last two Europa League ties against Rennes and BATE Borisov.

Arsenal were forced to come from behind after a first-leg defeat to Rennes in the previous round.
AFP/Getty Images

And Emery said: “We need to be consistent in each match. Each match for us is giving us a lot of information. Our balance defensively and offensively was getting better but isn’t enough at the moment.

“Tomorrow we are going to play at home with our supporters and we know we need to win tomorrow. Our first target is to win, but also we don’t want to concede chances for them to score. That’s important.

“We know they have good players and also have had good performances in the season. In the last matches there may have been some doubts, but tomorrow they will play with the best performance. I am sure.

“We need to be very competitive in the 90 minutes. We want to win and not concede goals, but we know that can come.

"We will play two matches, 90 minutes here and 90 minutes away, and we are prepared for if it’s decided on extra time or penalties.

"It’s going to be a very good game tomorrow and away between us because we have two teams of very good players.”

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