Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has explained why he was unable to join up with the Arsenal squad after missing the club's past two games due to "personal issues".
Read: Official: Arsenal Confirm Odegaard Loan
The Gabonese striker pulled out of the Gunners' matchday squad for the FA Cup match against Southampton last weekend just hours before kick-off, and missed their Premier League fixture against the same opposition on Tuesday too.
After his manager Mikel Arteta revealed it was personal issue, the skipper has now confirmed his mother was ill, and he had been with her.
"Hey guys, thank you so much for all the messages and calls over the last few days," he wrote on Instagram.
"My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her. She's already much better now and I will be back home tonight. I'm more than grateful to the doctors and nurses helping her get through this, and of course, thanks to my Arsenal fam for the love yesterday! I'm more determined than ever to keep our momentum going!
"Thank you all again – I really am beyond blessed to receive this level of support and love from all of you and I can't wait to be back."
Click through the gallery below to see the best-paid players at Arsenal in 2021!