Arsenal strip Aubameyang of skipper's armband

Pierre-Emerick Aubmeyang has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy following his latest disciplinary breach. 

The striker, 32, will miss tomorrow's visit of West Ham and it remains unclear when he will return to Mikel Arteta's squad. 

Confirming the news, a club statement said: "Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday's match against West Ham.

"We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. 

"We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match."

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta added: "I don't have much more to say. 

"I think it's a really clear statement from the club. It's a decision we have made following the last incident we had with the player and this is where we stand.

"We did it, both the club [and I] having a personal conversation, and myself, face to face with the player. He had to accept the decision.

"For now, he's not involved. It's been a lot to digest. It's a difficult decision to make, it will take a bit of time. 

"It needs time to heal and he's not involved. Since I've been here, the relationship has been really good. That's why it's painful."

It has been reported that Aubameyang's disciplinary breach involved his late arrival back in England from a trip to see his mother in France following the 2-1 defeat at Everton last week. 

He has netted seven goals in 15 appearances this season but has not scored since October and was left out of Arsenal's win over Southampton on Saturday.

The Gabon international took on the captain's armband after midfielder Granit Xhaka was relieved of the job by former Gunners boss Unai Emery.

And Arteta admits he is unlikely to rush selecting the team's next permanent skipper. 

He added: "It's is a really multicultural dressing room that needs a lot of attention and different feelings and different languages. They all have to be involved and I am really comfortable with that.

"We have the leadership group and we think we have different players that are nominated to be captain. In the last game it was Alexandre Lacazette and we have Xhaka as well, so we will follow that. 

"Obviously, it's a really unpleasant situation and it's not the moment to make any rash decisions. 

"That leadership group is really strong, it's the one that communicates with myself and the coaching staff and then with the club in a really clear and strong way. 

"We are going to continue like that and that is one of the decisions we made, to make that group a little bit better and try to educate them. Try and get the right feedback all the time and build that trust and the strong culture around the club. 

"It's working really well, so we will continue to do that."