Arsenal are confident that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return for their clash with Everton on April 23.
The striker contracted malaria while on international duty last month and missed his side’s Europa League win on Thursday night.
Mikel Arteta confirmed after the win that his skipper was out of hospital and had hoped to have him available for this weekend’s game with Fulham.
But the Gunners now believe that next week’s game with the Toffees at the Emirates is a more “realistic” date for his return, reports ESPN.
Aubameyang posted on Instagram before Thursday’s clash saying: “Thanks for all the messages and calls. Unfortunately I contracted malaria whilst being on national team duty in Gabon a few weeks ago.
“I’ve spent a few days in hospital this week but I’m already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly.
“I wasn’t really feeling myself the last couple weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon! Will be watching my boys now, huge game for us! Let‘s go and get it.”
In Aubameyang’s absence Arsenal didn’t lack for firepower as they smashed four past Slavia Prague.
Alexandre Lacazette led the attack and scored twice with Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka also getting in on the act.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Aubameyang himself has struggled this year following several prolific seasons that resulted in him penning a new deal in the summer.
The 31-year-old received a bumper pay rise, but has face criticism for his performances since.
Aubameyang has scored just 14 times in all competitions and has seen himself dropped on several occasions.
He was benched for disciplinary reasons before the recent north London derby and also found himself out of the starting XI for their Europa League quarter-final.
