Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a penalty on international duty with Gabon on Friday before raising injury concerns in the final minutes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates a goal for Gabon (Photo via FEGAFOOT on Facebook)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates a goal for Gabon (Photo via FEGAFOOT on Facebook)

Arsenal striker and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t had the best time at the penalty spot in recent matches, with his efforts against Aston Villa and Watford both saved – albeit that he turned in the Villa penalty on the rebound.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal reacts after having his penalty kick saved by Ben Foster of Watford FC during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal reacts after having his penalty kick saved by Ben Foster of Watford FC during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Currently away on international duty, and despite his recent woes, Aubameyang stepped up to take a penalty for Gabon in the 54th minute against Libya on Saturday.

The game was a must-win for Gabon, as their last hope of making the World Cup next year, so there was quite a bit of pressure on the spot-kick.

This time around, the Arsenal man managed to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and give his team the lead.

Let’s hope it gives Aubameyang confidence that he managed to put it away this time.

There is a vague injury concern after he was taken off late in the game. He was initially stretched off, but he appeared to be alright afterwards, walking around unaided and dancing along with the squad on Instagram.

Unfortunately, Egypt’s result later in the day meant that Gabon can’t qualify for the World Cup.

Aubameyang did his bit, but Gabon simply went into the break with too much to do.

From an Arsenal point of view, whilst disappointed for Aubameyang, I’m sure we’ll be glad to see the club captain getting a rest next winter. At least the pressure is off Gabon’s next game, before Aubameyang returns to Arsenal for the trip to Anfield.