Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced he is battling malaria.
The Gabonese international took to Instagram to post a picture of himself in hospital just moments before the Gunners kicked off their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Slavia Prague.
He caught the condition while on international duty and has spent the last few days in hospital, not travelling to the Czech capital with his club teammates.
Aubameyang wrote: “Hey guys, 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 @arsenal.”
There had been speculation over Aubameyang’s fitness following his return from international duty.
He was criticised for his performance against Liverpool in the Premier League before being dropped for the first leg against Slavia Prague last week, which ended 1-1.
