Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal striker recovering from malaria in hospital

Striker was originally expected to return for Europa League clash with Slavia

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has explained his absence from the starting line-up recently with a social media post showing him in hospital, suffering from malaria.

The striker was left out of the starting line-up against Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-final first leg last week, which raised some eyebrows, before his name was entirely absent from the squad list at the weekend in the 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

Mikel Arteta explained Aubameyang’s absence there as being through illness, though he had suggested the 31-year-old might return for the second leg in Prague on Thursday.

However, Aubameyang took to Instagram with a message to supporters, explaining that he had been diagnosed with malaria after playing on international duty.

“Hey guys, thanks for all the messages and calls. Unfortunately I contracted malaria whilst being on national team duty in Gabon a few weeks ago,” he wrote.

“I’ve spent a few days in hospital this week but I’m already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly. I wasn’t really feeling myself the last couple weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon! Will be watching my boys now, huge game for us! Let‘s go and get it.”

Aubameyang has struggled for individual form at times this season, with Arsenal as a team often lacking consistency.

He has managed only nine Premier League goals this term, 14 in all competitions.

The Gunners didn’t appear to miss his presence against Slavia with a 4-0 win securing progress to the semi-finals.