Heart Problems Keep Aubameyang Sent Off From Africa Cup Of Nations, Gabon Coach: We Can't Judge Him In Cameroon

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang (Instagram @auba)

JAKARTA - The Gabon Football Federation has confirmed they have allowed Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to return to Arsenal and it is confirmed that he will not play for his country in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Aubameyang has been sent back to Arsenal due to heart problems following exposure to COVID-19.

The Gabon captain has yet to feature for his country at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after testing positive for COVID-19 on January 6. Aubameyang was rumored to be playing against Ghana earlier this week, but his comeback was canceled due to medical reasons.

According to a Reuters report quoted by Antara on Tuesday, Gabon coach Patrice Neveu has now confirmed that the 32-year-old has been allowed to fly to England so that his health problem can be further assessed.

"Since yesterday, the decision has been taken to send them back to their clubs," said Neveu referring to Aubameyang and team-mate Mario Lemina.

"We can't assess it here (in Cameroon), we can't assess the pathology of COVID here."

"It's very important that Mario returns to Nice and Pierre returns to Arsenal," he added. "This is a decision we have taken among ourselves."

The Gabon Football Federation later confirmed in a statement that the pair were relieved of international duty.

"The Gabon Football Federation has decided to repatriate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina to their respective club positions for further scrutiny," the federation wrote.

Gabon have collected four points from their opening two games and are looking to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012.