Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves early for AFCON

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been granted permission to join Gabon for their African Cup of Nations preparations.

The 32-year-old has been dropped by manager Mikel Arteta since his disciplinary breach earlier this month. He has missed five games on the trot.

The club had the choice of keeping him for the Manchester City game on January 1, but he has been allowed to join the Gabon squad early.

There is uncertainty over Aubameyang's future at the moment. The Gunners are unlikely to sell him next month, but he could leave in the summer.

Aubameyang may not return to the Gunners until February, should Gabon progress beyond the group stage of the continental competition.

Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe are also expected to be absent next month amid their African Cup of Nations commitments.

The trio are most likely to make the matchday squad against the Cityzens before leaving for their respective countries ahead of AFCON.