Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s latest disciplinary breach has compounded long-standing concerns about his suitability as club captain from senior coaching staff.
The forward was axed from the squad that recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday after reporting back for club duty late from an approved trip abroad last week; manager Mikel Arteta confirming before kick-off the decision was due to a ‘disciplinary' issue.
And Sportsmail has learned the controversy has amplified pre-existing reservations from figures inside the club’s training ground about Aubameyang’s position as skipper.
Having originally been appointed as captain during Unai Emery’s reign, Aubameyang has kept the armband during the Arteta era despite the concerns that are held not only by staff, but certain team-mates.