JAKARTA - Arsenal let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Gabon's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations early after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the forward will not be involved in the year's opener against Manchester City at the Emirates on Saturday, January 1.
Arteta said Gabon had submitted a request that Aubameyang be allowed to join the national team early, despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) earlier giving England players a deadline of January 3.
"We received a letter from the Gabon national team asking for permission to call their players and the player in question will also no longer be involved in our match ... so from a fitness point of view and readiness to compete, it was the right move," Arteta said, quoted by Reuters via Reuters.
"During his appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the most important thing is that he must focus on his national team. We have spoken and agreed it is the best step. We will monitor from game to game," he added.
Arsenal's latest move marks the next firm decision for Aubameyang, who has been increasingly marginalized from Arteta's plans since being removed from the captaincy for an "indisciplined breach".
The 32-year-old forward has missed Arsenal's last five games in all competitions, having last featured in a Premier League game against Everton on December 6.
Last year Aubameyang signed a three-year contract extension, but his form has slumped this season scoring just four league goals, most recently in October.
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