Aubameyang poised to face Chelsea after Covid recovery
Pierre-emerick Aubameyang, the Arsenal captain, could make his return against Chelsea on Sunday, after recovering from coronavirus.
Aubameyang is one of four Arsenal players who have tested positive for Covid-19 at the start of this season, along with strike partner
Alexandre Lacazette, midfielder Willian and back-up goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.
All four were absent from last Friday’s opening-day defeat at Brentford, when Mikel Arteta was forced to field the inexperienced Folarin Balogun as his only centre-forward.
Arsenal have described Lacazette as “still recovering” from coronavirus, saying he will not be available to face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Willian, however, has a chance of making the game.
Runarsson continues to be unavailable, although Arsenal are hoping to complete the £24million signing of Aaron Ramsdale, who is joining from Sheffield United, in time for him to be available against the European champions.
Aubameyang has tested negative for Covid-19 this week and will return to training over the next two days, the club said. He will be assessed before Sunday’s match, and there is no doubt that Arteta would select his leading centre-forward if the 32-year-old is cleared to play.
The game comes at a busy time behind the scenes for Arsenal as they attempt to strengthen the team with young players. As well as
Ramsdale, they are also battling the clock in order to register Martin Odegaard in time to play against Chelsea after a £30 million deal was agreed with Real Madrid for the playmaker.
Attentions will then turn to outgoings, with Arsenal so far struggling to find buyers for the likes of Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira and Sead Kolasinac. They are desperate to raise funds through the sale of these fringe players, but the slow market has not helped them in their cause. There is a hope that the window will explode into life in the next few days.