Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored one and assisted one for Gabon on Thursday, and he’ll now return to Arsenal early.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads Gabon out (Photo via FEGAFOOT on Facebook)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads Gabon out (Photo via FEGAFOOT on Facebook)

Arsenal club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was always only going to play the first of Gabon’s two fixtures over the current international break. The Gunners won’t release the striker for the second game against Angola, due to Covid travel restrictions.

That put pressure on the striker to make his appearance against the D.R. Congo count. If they won, they’d qualify for AFCON next January.

Fortunately for them, Aubameyang was in good form on the day. First, he provided an assist for Denis Bouanga with a wonderful through ball. Then, he scored one of his own, firing in off the post with his left foot.

Aubameyang will now return to Arsenal early to prepare for next Saturday’s match against Liverpool. He should come back with a bit of extra confidence and enjoy a little bit of rest ahead of the upcoming packed schedule of club matches.