Panic at Marseille: Gabon break agreement, as Auba makes rushed comeback
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 26.12.25. | 16:15
Although the striker's club and national team had agreed he wouldn't clock more than a few minutes against Cameroon, he was subbed on after only 33 minutes to the French side's shock
The alarms in Gabon went off. The alarms in Marseille went off. And the only man who can turn them off is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
On the one hand, the Panthers fell short in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Cameroon, losing 1-0, and now have little room for error in the upcoming two games against the Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
On the other hand, everyone around Olympique Marseille is anxious because of the striker's physical condition, given that he has yet to complete his rehabilitation.
According to RMC Sport, Auba's club and national team had agreed that he wouldn't clock more than a few minutes against Cameroon, as he was still recovering from a hamstring injury. Yet, to the shock of everyone at Stade Velodrome, the 36-year-old was subbed on already in the 33rd minute!
Marseille are very unhappy with Gabon over Aubameyang’s early return against Cameroon yesterday!
— Football in my veins (@Realfootballimv) December 25, 2025
The club believe the Gabon national team took serious risks with the player’s physical health.
[RMC Sport] pic.twitter.com/algBwIjzic
Hence, the Gabonese didn't honour the deal, and the French are fuming and afraid their key player could worsen the injury, but are unable to intervene.
Auba's importance for both teams is essential. If the Panthers failed to reach the knockout phase, it would be considered a massive failure, while, at the same time, it could be the striker's last major tournament with the national team.
However, Marseille must think about their well-being as well, given that they are currently third in Ligue 1, with decent chances of winning the title race and finally clinching the Ligue 1 trophy after a 16-year drought.
Aubameyang and his health are key. It would be a win-win situation if he managed to regularly play for Gabon and avoid worsening the injury. In case of any other turn of events, one of the two sides will be very angry.
AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE
Friday
Angola - Zimbabwe IN PROGRESS
18.00: (1.95) Egypt (3.35) South Africa (4.20)
20.30: (2.20) Zambia (3.15) Comoros (3.60)
23.00: (1.55) Morocco (3.80) Mali (7.00)
Saturday
15.30: (1.70) Benin (3.50) Botswana (5.50)
18.00: (1.75) Senegal (3.50) Dr Congo (5.10)
20.30: (2.40) Uganda (3.10) Tanzania (3.20)
23.00: (2.40) Nigeria (3.10) Tunisia (3.20)
Sunday
15.30: (1.92) Gabon (3.35) Mozambique (4.30)
18.00: (2.50) Equatorial Guinea (3.10) Sudan (3.05)
20.30: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) Burkina Faso (4.00)
23.00: (2.20) Ivory Coast (3.15) Cameroon (3.60)
***odds are subject to change***
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