Reasons behind Aubameyang suspension mystery revealed

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Sat in the stands on Wednesday

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Sat in the stands on Wednesday

Borussia Dortmund insist Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s suspension is now a ‘closed matter’ after reports in the media explained why the striker was forced to sit out Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Aubameyang was expected to start for the Bundesliga side in their Champions League group-stage clash with the Portuguese outfit, but his name was absent from the teamsheet, with the player forced to watch the match from the stands.

Dortmund later revealed that the striker had been suspended temporarily, but did not divulge any further information.

“It is an internal issue and will remain an internal issue,” manager Thomas Tuchel said before the game, which Dortmund won 1-0.

“The decision was taken yesterday afternoon. There was no other choice.

“But now this issue is closed. He will be back at the weekend.”

Chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke reiterated that the matter was “internal”, and that he will return against Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

According to reports in Germany, Aubameyang was dropped after using his phone during a team meeting.

However, the Daily Mirror report that the Gabon international was reprimanded after making an unsanctioned trip to Italy on Monday.

‘The player was reprimanded in front of his teammates after heading to Italy on Monday,’ writes Alex Richards.

‘The striker, who came through the youth system at AC Milan, headed to a party with friends at the Hotel Villa Borghi in Varese.’

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: A target for Man United

Dortmund secured progression to the knockout stages after Aubameyang’s replacement, Adrian Ramos, scored the game’s only goal.

News of the striker’s suspension is sure to heighten claims he could leave the club, with the striker persistently linked with Premier League clubs and Real Madrid.