Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has indicated that while the club have caught themselves being too reliant on star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the players are trying to unlearn the habit.

The Gunners boss made this statement after it was confirmed that the Gabonese international striker will not be part of the team to take on Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Aubameyang did not take a part in his side's 1-0 FA Cup loss against Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium last Saturday while he was also missing in action as Arsenal sealed a 3-1 victory over the same opponents just three days after. He took to social media after missing those two games to give a brief explanation that his absence was as a result of him caring for his mother who was suffering from health issues.

Even though it was thought that he could return just in time to feature in the crunch tie against Olé Gunnar Solksjær's Manchester United, it appears he would have to sit this one out as well. The reason for his absence this time around is due to the fact that he would have to undergo a COVID-19 test to be sure he is free of the coronavirus. He is required to test negative for the virus, regardless of whether or not he feels in the right condition to play the game.
The player has also not yet been involved in any full training with his teammates since the first game he missed and will continue the streak of not featuring in any of Arsenal's games f the only third game running as the Gunners look to extend their current run of six games without suffering any loss.
Although not having Aubameyang up front to lead the attack for Arsenal is a huge loss for Arteta, the Spanish manager insisted that they will do everything to do their best without him.