Gabon will begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign without their captain and talisman Pierre Emerick Aubameyang after the veteran striker was ruled out of the opening Group F fixture due to injury.
The 36 year old forward picked up a thigh problem while playing for Olympique de Marseille in their Ligue 1 victory over AS Monaco on Sunday and was forced to leave the pitch. Following medical assessments, the Gabonese Football Federation confirmed that Aubameyang will remain in France to continue treatment before linking up with the national team.
“Olympique de Marseille’s medical staff requested that Aubameyang receive medical treatment in Marseille after consulting with the national team’s medical staff,” said a federation statement.
“The player is unavailable for the December 24 match against Cameroon. Depending on his clinical and imaging progress, participation in the December 28 match against Mozambique is possible.”
Both Group F fixtures will take place in Agadir, with Gabon hoping their leading scorer will recover in time to play a role in the decisive stages of the group.
Gabon are also scheduled to face defending champions Ivory Coast on December 31 in Marrakech, a match that could determine their qualification hopes.
In addition to Aubameyang’s absence, the Panthers may be forced into a defensive reshuffle as Metz centre back Michel Mboula is also a doubt for the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury.
Gabon’s medical team will continue to monitor both players closely as the countdown to AFCON action in Morocco continues.
