The Gunners have been investigating whether or not their captain broke protocols by getting a brand new tattoo
Mikel Arteta refused to substantiate whether or not Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had broken Covid-19 protocols by getting a new tattoo however insisted the Arsenal skipper can be handled internally if he was discovered to have executed so.
Footage and photographs emerged final week which appeared to indicate the 31-year-old had been given a brand new inking by Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal.
The photographs initially appeared on Bernal’s Instagram story, nevertheless it was unclear when and the place Aubameyang had been given the brand new tattoo and whether or not Bernal was a part of the Gabon worldwide’s Covid bubble.
Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday that they were investigating the situation and would speak with the striker to determine all the facts earlier than deciding whether or not any additional motion was vital.
However talking at his press convention forward of Thursday night time’s Europa League tie with Benfica, Arteta wouldn’t affirm whether or not any guidelines have been discovered to have been damaged.
What did Arteta say?
When requested concerning the state of affairs with Aubameyang, the Arsenal boss mentioned: “No matter we do with our gamers, we hold it inside.
“It is true that a variety of the members of our squad have prolonged households at house and if a participant does one thing that’s not inside the laws clearly, the membership acts instantly however all the time privately.
“We tried to advise each participant and guarantee that they know all the foundations and that we’ve to stay to these guidelines on a regular basis. If somebody doesn’t do it, clearly we’ve to behave instantly.
“Once more, I can not inform you who each participant lives with, however we do and when any person does one thing you shouldn’t be doing, clearly it’s going to get came upon from us and there will likely be penalties. And if not, there gained’t be.”
Has Aubameyang travelled with the squad to Rome?
Aubameyang has flown out to Italy with the remainder of the squad for Thursday night time’s Europa League tie towards Benfica.
The primary leg of the last-32 conflict had been switched from Lisbon to Rome because of the coronavirus pandemic, whereas the second leg will likely be performed in Athens as an alternative of north London.
In a lift to Arsenal, Kieran Tierney has additionally travelled with the squad after recovering from a knee damage, but midfielder Thomas Partey remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
“Thomas didn’t journey,” mentioned Arteta. “He isn’t there but. He’s nonetheless coaching individually.
“Kieran has had one session with us and he’s a part of the squad.”
