Keown fears for Arsenal's top four hopes and slams Arteta's handling of Aubameyang saga

However, the Spaniard didn't go into the specifics over why Aubameyang won't be involved - simply saying he's 'not available for selection' and repeating that point when asked if the 32-year-old forward has a future at the club.

The north London side showed they can cope without their ex-captain as they moved into fourth with a win over West Ham on Tuesday night, however, the Gunners are in the middle of a very busy run of fixtures.

And here lies the problem for Arteta, believes Keown, who would like to take the Arsenal boss to task over his Aubameyang ambiguity, suggesting the manager ought to swallow his pride and consider playing his former captain.

Reacting to the news on White and Jordan, Keown said: "We don't know if the player himself isn't ready or if it's COVID-related but I think that's disappointing.

"I understand why the captaincy was taken away from him but I feel a bridge should be built between the club, the manager and the player to get him back onto the pitch.

"The team did exceptionally well on Tuesday night, they've moved into the top four, but they've got Leeds away with lots of games over Christmas to come so you want him back in the fold as quickly as possible.

"I think back to the William Gallas situation when he was stripped of the captaincy. They gave him a pathway for him to come back into the team so I can't see why that can't happen here.

"I sincerely hope it's not the club blocking Aubameyang coming back in. There's got to be a path for the player to come back at some point."

Keown added: "This is a failure to communicate in the right way, what sort of communication is that?

"I'd have to take Arteta to task over that, I want a clear message about this player…

"He could say 'he's not available for this game but he's very much in my thoughts and he's a part of our plans going forward.' He could've said 'the player's not in a mental or fit state to play this weekend so we're not involving him this weekend.'"

This will only add to more uncertainty over Aubameyang's future at Arsenal and Keown is worried that losing the Gabon international will make the team weaker and harm their chances of finishing in the top four this season.

When asked if Aubameyang will play for Arsenal again, Keown added: "It doesn't look like it.

"It doesn't look like there's a future right now but let's see what happens.

"I wouldn't want to lose him. I certainly wouldn't want to lose him to one of Arsenal's rivals.

"Fourth place is up for grabs and if he can come back fit, well and his mind is together, there's an opportunity for Arsenal to make it. They're not a stronger squad without him."