Arsenal outcast Aubameyang in Gabon’s squad for AFCON

Gabon has named Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in its squad for the coming 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) in Cameroon.

The former Arsenal captain was banished from the first-team training by coach Mikel Arteta until the end of the year at least.

Aubameyang has been training alone and was left out of the team’s Saturday game against Leeds where his side won 4-1.

However, the Arsenal man will spearhead Coach Patrice Neveu attack, according to the 30-man squad list unveiled at a press conference in Libreville on Saturday.

Experienced Bruno Manga, Lloyd Palun, Denis Bouanga all make the cut.

Didier Ndong, the most-capped player and Didier Ovono were left out of the tentative squad.

The list has four goalkeepers, eleven defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards.

Neveu’s men will be heading to Dubai where preparations for their eighth AFCON will open on Dec. 27.

The team will feature in two friendlies, one of which will be against the local selection of Uganda.

Gabon return to the continental showpiece after missing out on the 2019 edition in Egypt.

They will open their Group C campaign against debutants Comoros at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Jan. 10.

Gabon will then confront four-time champions Ghana, before capping off on Jan. 18 against 1976 Champions Morocco.

Full List:

Goalkeepers: Anthony M’fa Mezui, Jean Noel Amonome, Donald Nze, Fotso Junior.

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Aaron Salem Boupendza, Denis Bouanga, Jim Allevinah, Eneme Ella Ulrich, Fadh Nzengue, Mayi Kevin and Axel Meye.