Aubameyang apparently developed heart lesions and could not feature for Gabon for a second game running as a precautionary measure
Heart Lesions is a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries
Gabon head coach Patrice Neveu revealed he was told two hours before kickoff that Aubameyang and two other players would be unavailable for similar reasons

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed his country’s clash against Ghana oin the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, January 14 because of a heart problem.

Scans revealed the striker had 'heart lesions' and could therefore not feature in the 1-1 draw.

It is however understood that Arsenal medics have been in contact with Gabon officials, who have assured that the situation is not dire.

The extensive scans were done by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Aubameyang’s counterparts Axel Meyé and Mario Lemina were also taken out of the roaster for the same reason.

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It has not been a favourable return to his native Gabon for Aubameyang, who, despite being allowed to return to Africa early, tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after arriving in Cameroon for the tournament.

He had only recently returned to training when he was diagnosed with the heart problem.

Caf has since released a statement on the striker’s issue, saying;

"According to the CAF medical commission, the players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Axel Meyé and Mario Lemina barely out of the Covid cannot take part in this match. The examinations would show heart problems. CAF did not want to take any risks."

The 31-year old then took to his social media with a cryptic message as he shared a heart emoji, presumably expressing his despair.

A difficult month for Aubameyang rages on

It has not been an easy last six weeks for Aubameyang, who is having problems with his club as well.

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He was stripped of the captaincy by Arsenal in December 2021 over disciplinary issues and the former Borussia Dortmund striker has not featured for his side since the 2-1 defeat to Everton early in December.

Arsenal is reportedly ready to listen to offers for Aubameyang in the January transfer window, and Barcelona is among the clubs willing to take up his services.

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