Gabon boss fears Arsenal will block Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from international duty

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter

Published: November 19 2020 | 09:50

Last updated: June 5 2025 | 00:30

Gabon boss fears Arsenal will block Aubameyang from international duty

Gabon head coach Patrice Neveu says that he understands why Arsenal are upset about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being made to sleep on the floor at an airport this week.

Gabon head coach Patrice Neveu has admitted that he is worried Arsenal will block Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from linking up with his country in the future.

Aubameyang and his Gabon teammates were forced to sleep on the floor at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia last week because of an administrative error with their flight.

As a result of the mix-up, which was resolved once the Gabonese government stepped in, Neveu fears clubs will now be reluctant to let their star players take part in internationals.

"Arsenal called Pierre-Emerick. After seeing him in those conditions, it's over..." he told Canal+. "They won't let him come again, and it will be the same for players from other clubs.

"It's understandable. They are high-level players and when they come on international duty, they need to have a minimum of comfort.

"All the players tried to sleep on the airport floor. Imagine if Aubameyang, a player who costs more than â‚¬1m a month, gets injured. [Arsenal] can be annoyed after what's happened, to make a player sleep the floor."

Aubameyang has made 10 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this term and is expected to play a part in Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds United.