Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: I lost 4kg during malaria battle but I'm back to 90 percent fit

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says he is back to 90 percent fitness and ready to start tomorrow's Europa League semi-final against Villarreal. 

The Gunners captain has revealed he lost 4kg during his battle with malaria last month but is nearing peak condition after scoring on his first start since returning from the illness in the win over Newcastle on Sunday.

With Alexandre Lacazette a doubt with a hamstring injury, Aubameyang's return to fitness is timely for Mikel Arteta, who had to do without both men in the first leg. 

The Spaniard opted to use Emile Smith Rowe as a false-nine, rather than ask Eddie Nketiah to lead the line, but the system was largely ineffectual and the Gunners could count themselves lucky to escape with only a 2-1 defeat. 

It was Aubameyang's goals in the semi-final and final of last season's FA Cup that saw Arsenal end a tumultuous season with silverware and the forward will be hoping to have a similar impact in the final weeks of the current campaign.

More to follow.