Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the club captaincy. 

The 32-year-old forward was dropped for discplinary reasons ahead of the 3-0 victory over Soouthampton at the weekend. 

Arsenal have released this statement: "Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday's match against West Ham United.

"We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.  We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match."

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta left him out after he returned from France a day later than agreed.

He was given permission to go abroad on Wednesday to collect his sick mum.

He had agreed to return on Wednesday night but flew back on Thursday morning.

Aubameyang also missed training as he had to wait for a negative PCR result. 

The Saints game at the weekend is not the first time Aubameyang has missed a match to be with his mother, who has struggled with 'health issues' this year. 

Aubameyang previously missed Arsenal's 3-1 win over Southampton in January after Arteta allowed the forward compassionate leave to be with her.