De Zerbi stands by Auba after all the chaos around Gabon national team
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 04.01.26. | 12:56
Following his ban from the Panthers' ranks, the 36-year-old striker received the open support from his Olympique Marseille manager
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is going through one of the toughest periods in his career. He and his teammates embarrassed themselves in what could be the 36-year-old's last tournament with the Gabon national team, suffering three defeats in as many group stage matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Following the unexpected disaster, the Gabonese government suspended the national team and banned Auba and the captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, from the Panthers' ranks.
And while the striker had just a short comment, "I think the team's problems are much deeper than just me as an individual", his Olympique Marseille boss, Roberto De Zerbi, stood by him in these harsh moments, openly supporting him.
"We have never criticized him. Beyond the exceptional player he is, you can't criticize him as a person. He left injured; he played against Monaco with a leg injury. We sent a physiotherapist to Gabon to treat him. I also saw that there were controversies with the Gabon coach, but that's none of my business," the Italian said via RMC Sport, and mentioned that Auba will be available for L'OM's Ligue 1 duel against Nantes (17.00).
🚨 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is already back in training with Marseille after the AFCON exit. pic.twitter.com/10TbkLB2V4
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 3, 2026
"Today, he's better and could play on Sunday," De Zerbi confirmed.
A couple of hours later, in a derby of the French capital, Paris Saint-Germain will face Paris FC at Parc des Princes (22.45), trying to keep up with the soaring Lens, which ruthlessly keep the top of the league with a four-point edge over the Saints.
Another exciting Ligue 1 day is upon us!
LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 17
Friday
Toulouse - Lens 0-3 (0-0)
/Said 57, Thomasson 85, Ganiou 90+5/
Saturday
Monaco - Olympique Lyon 1-3 (1-1)
/Coulibaly 45+4 - Sulc 38, 57, Vinicius 79/
Nice - Strasbourg 1-1 (0-1)
/Wahi 54 - Panichelli 13 pen/
Lille - Rennes 0-2 (0-0)
/Frankowski 49, Merlin 56/
Sunday
17.00: (1.25) Olympique Marseille (6.50) Nantes (10.5)
19.15: (1.95) Brest (3.45) Auxerre (4.00)
19.15: (2.15) Le Havre (3.35) Angers (3.80)
19.15: (1.80) Lorient (3.60) Metz (4.60)
***odds are subject to change***
