Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked the medics who helped him recover from malaria in time for the Gunners’ Europa League semi-final with Villarreal.
The forward contracted the illness while on international duty with Gabon, but recovered in time for their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
He registered a goal and an assist as Arsenal took all three points, putting him in line for a starting place against Villarreal.
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Asked how he felt after playing 77 minutes against the Magpies, Aubameyang told the club’s official website: “At the end for the last five minutes, I was dying a little bit. But to tell the truth, I felt good the whole game, so I was really happy with that.
“I have to say that the doctors did incredible work with me, bringing me to the hospital and stuff like that. I’m really thankful for them.
“When you are out for a few weeks you realise how good it is to be back on the pitch. I was really happy to be back first and scoring a goal.”
Aubameyang returned to action in the first leg against Villarreal, playing five minutes as the north London side lost 2-1.
He will be hoping to play a more important role in the second leg as Arsenal aim to reach the final of the competition.
Aubameyang continued: “It was really important to take some confidence and win this game. We know that we will need everyone to be ready on Thursday.
“We saw that today, everyone was ready and hopefully we can go through.”
First half goals from Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol put the Spanish side in a commanding position in the opening leg, before Dani Ceballos was sent off for Arsenal.
Nicolas Pepe rescued an away goal by converting a 73rd-minute penalty.
The game is arguably the most important one of Arsenal’s season. It could determine manager Mikel Arteta’s future, as it’s the last trophy they can win.
Winning the Europa League would salvage some pride for the Gunners as they battle for a top-four spot.
They sit ninth in the Premier League after 34 games, 12 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
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