Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped from Arsenal’s squad against Southampton after returning late from a trip abroad.

Mikel Arteta left the striker out of his 20-man squad on Saturday and referred to him committing a “discipline breach” during a pre-match interview.

The Athletic understands he was given permission to fly abroad for a personal matter. However, he returned later than agreed, leading to his exclusion from the squad.

His late return had implications for Arsenal’s COVID-19 protocols.

This is not the first time Aubameyang has been left out of a squad for disciplinary reasons. Back in March, he was left out of the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 for being late.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Arteta said: “Unfortunately, (Aubameyang has been left out) due to a disciplinary breach. I think we’ve been very consistent with no negotiables as a team that we have set ourselves as a club, so he’s not involved today.

“Certainly, it’s not an easy situation, a situation that we want our club captain to be in.”