Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang thanks medics for malaria recovery

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right) scores at Newcastle on his return to the starting line-up (Stu Forster/PA)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked the medics who helped him fight his way back from malaria to stake a claim for a role in Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final showdown with Villarreal.

The 31-year-old striker scored the Gunners’ second goal in a 2-0 Premier League win at Newcastle on Sunday, his first start since contracting the illness while on international duty with Gabon, and could now be in line to play a significant part in Thursday night’s second leg clash with the Spaniards.