Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘available for selection’ against Olympiacos, says Mikel Arteta
Captain was dropped for the north London derby after arriving late for a pre-match meeting
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Your support makes all the difference.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to start the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League tie against Olympiacos on Thursday after head coach Mikel Arteta insisted a line had been drawn under the captain’s breach of discipline.
Aubameyang was dropped for Arsenal’s 2-1 victory against Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday after he arrived late to the squad’s pre-match meeting.
Arteta, who has always taken a hardline approach to matters of discipline, brought Alexandre Lacazette into the starting line-up and the French striker went on to score the winner from the penalty spot in the second half.
However, after the match, Arteta said that the issue had been “dealt with”.
“I draw the line, it’s done. We move to the [next] thing. He is available for selection and let’s enjoy the victory,” Arteta said with a view to Thursday’s match, into which Arsenal take a 3-1 aggregate lead.
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Arteta added that the decision was necessary to maintain the “foundations” he immediately attempted to establish after taking charge at Arsenal.
“It’s the foundations and the platform that we can build something medium and long term that is sustainable,” he said. “That can bring us joy and happiness. Without that, I don’t believe it would happen. That’s why I keep talking about it and acting on it.
“I made what I thought was the right decision [with Aubameyang]. It’s been dealt with, so now let’s move on.”
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