Dortmund official: Aubameyang can reclaim team spot

>> BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund insisted that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a future at the club, even though he was left out of the squad for Friday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Hertha Berlin.

Aubameyang, the top scorer in the German top flight last season, was also dropped for last Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Wolfsburg.

Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger took the decision to leave out the Gabon international again amid reports he is chasing a move to Premier League side Arsenal, who look set to lose forward Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.

“There is nothing concrete on the table, only a lot of air,” Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc told Eurosport when asked about the Arsenal rumours.

“We’re planning with PierreEmerick Aubameyang and there’s a way back into the team for him, but professionalism is part of that. That includes saying you’ve made a mistake in one situation or another.”

Aubameyang is being disciplined by Dortmund for the third time in 16 months after he missed a team meeting last weekend.

Stoeger said the 28-year-old can still win back his place in the team for next weekend’s home match against Freiburg.

“All week long he was good at training, which is why I said at my press conference that he would be in the team,” former Cologne coach Stoeger said after the game in Berlin.

“But at the last practice I just felt like he wasn’t fully focused. It was a very important match and we have so many quality players that I chose another one.

“But I select the group every week. He has time to show he wants it. If he gives everything next week, he’ll be in the squad.”