Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal have not received ‘clarity’ from Gabon over why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to the club.

Striker Aubameyang did not get to kick a ball at the Africa Cup of Nations, having contracted Covid and then missed out on selection after suffering ‘cardiac lesions’.

Sportsmail has previously reported that there was a degree of confusion over the situation, and manager Arteta has revealed Aubameyang will now undergo tests.

Quizzed on the star, he said: ‘He’s in London and going through some examinations because we haven’t had any clarity from Gabon about why he came back.

‘So it’s our obligation to make sure he’s safe and in good condition. So far historically with what we’ve done with the player that’s never been an issue.’

Gabon national team boss Patrice Neveu insisted that Arsenal put pressure on their FA to send Aubameyang back to England after his post-coronavirus heart scare.

It is understood that Arsenal medical staff have spoken to the frontman, with all parties confident he will make a full recovery.

His long-term fitness is not thought to have been hindered by the issue, either.

Indeed, Aubameyang himself is said to feel fine but, as predicted, will now undergo a series of examinations upon his return to his club as a precaution.

But even if he is deemed to be fit, it remains to be seen whether Arteta will welcome him back in from the cold after stripping him of the captaincy and dropping him.

When asked whether the 32-year-old will ever play for him again, he added: ‘He contracted Covid and then the national team decided to bring him back here.

‘We need to make sure the player’s health is in the best possible condition and then we’ll see what happens.’

A further complication came when reports from the AFCON suggested Aubameyang was involved in a disciplinary breach within the Gabon camp.

These allegations were branded false by the player on social media, however.

In response to those reports, Aubameyang tweeted: ‘We have problems that are already complicated to solve, then on top of that there are rumours.

‘In short, we have health to take care of first and foremost, I won’t go back on these false rumours and I sincerely hope that our team will go as far as possible.’