Jump directly to the content
Auba out

Arsenal news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is huge doubt for Everton clash but Jack Wilshere set for return

Arsenal's record signing has been battling with illness and needs to be assessed by the medical staff before Saturday's crunch clash

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG remains a major doubt to make his Arsenal debut against Everton this weekend.

Boss Arsene Wenger confirmed their £60million club-record signing has been battling illness and will need to be assessed by the club's medical staff but revealed Jack Wilshere is fit after his bout with fever.

 Aubameyang is a doubt to make his Arsenal debut against Everton through illness
5
Aubameyang is a doubt to make his Arsenal debut against Everton through illnessCredit: Getty

The Gabon international trained for the first time for the Gunners on Thursday but was forced to practise alone under the watchful eye of the manager.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Sam Allardyce's side, Wenger said: "I have to assess how he is today and how he feels.

"He had a fever and so he couldn't practise a lot.

"He practised yesterday but was still not feeling well so I have to assess with the medical department to see how fit and well he will be."

 Arsene Wenger says Mkhitaryan is braced to make his first start while Jack Wilshere is also in line for a return to action
5
Arsene Wenger says Mkhitaryan is braced to make his first start while Jack Wilshere is also in line for a return to actionCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsene Wenger is excited by the prospect of his new signings forging a prolific partnership
5
Arsene Wenger is excited by the prospect of his new signings forging a prolific partnershipCredit: Getty - Contributor

But fellow new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan is braced for his first start at the club and Wenger is excited at the thought of the Armenian and Aubameyang forging a prolific partnership like they did at Borussia Dortmund.

The Frenchman continued: "I'm certain Mkhitaryan will start.

"I hope those two can recreate the success they showed together at Dortmund. Those two played together and had a successful period together.

"We are an offensive team and I hope they can re-create that perfect understanding they had at Dortmund."

 Jack Wilshere is fit to face Everton after missing Arsenal's defeat to Swansea
5
Jack Wilshere is fit to face Everton after missing Arsenal's defeat to SwanseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Arsene Wenger wants Mesut Ozil to lead Arsenal to success after he signed a new deal
5
Arsene Wenger wants Mesut Ozil to lead Arsenal to success after he signed a new dealCredit: PA:Press Association

Wenger was handed a further boost in the transfer window after Mesut Ozil finally ended speculation on his future by penning a new three-year deal.

He adds to the wealth of attacking options in Arsenal's front four which also includes £46.5m striker Alexandre Lacazette.

The 68-year-old confirmed he will look towards Ozil to "lead" the Arsenal side to success but admitted it will be difficult for all of his attacking options to play in the same side.

Wenger said: "He committed his future in a period where we are in a tricky position in terms of qualifying for the Champions League.

"It feels like a new signing. In the transfer market today that we can keep a player of that calibre is good news.

Full Saturday Premier League preview including Arsenal v Everton and Man Utd v Huddersfield

"We expect him to take responsibility to lead the club to success.

"It is always possible (to play all four attacking players in same side)

"Will I do it? Maybe - I don't know."

Topics