The former-Arsenal striker is fit and available for selection when we travel to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow evening, in what will be Aubameyang’s first return since leaving the north London club after four years in 2022.

Our caretaker manager admits Aubameyang’s ‘certain motivation’ could see him involved in some form at the home of the Gunners tomorrow but has explained what other factors he must consider before selecting his side.

‘Firstly, he could not play in the two Champions League games [against Real Madrid, due to ineligibility]. He came on against Wolves in the second half and then against Brentford,’ Frank stated.

‘I would say that is a position where, probably more than anywhere on the pitch, you need to be sharp, firing and consistent in your work. That is what makes top strikers. If you are out of the team for a while, when you come back with that lack of edge, it is very difficult. Top strikers play regularly, stay fit, and score goals. It all goes hand in hand.’

The 44-year-old admits he has seen two different sides to the Gabonese forward since he returned as caretaker manager on 6 April, with his undoubted attacking potency often not aligning with his match fitness or sharpness.

‘When I came in, it was clear that Aubameyang had not played a lot of minutes this season. But what was also clear was the level of player we have. I have had no time to look at players in training over big areas, as we’ve had a game coming every few days. I’ve had no time to see where he is at, other than feeling,’ our caretaker manager said.

‘It was good to see him come on against Brentford and look as he looked. I won’t put too much pressure on him because he might still need time. Maybe I, and we, do not have time this season,’ he continued.

In terms of attacking talent, Aubameyang has had more than adequate competition for a spot in our starting XI. Kai Havertz has featured 41 times this term, Raheem Sterling 33. Joao Felix has played in 21 games for the Blues, which is one more than Aubameyang, since arriving in January.

Frank says there are situations behind the scenes that the public do not see, and those situations can often influence his team selection and tactical plan.

‘If you look at the selection of the team, you can see it has changed a lot all season with attacking players and trying to find solutions. It is not as clear as that and that is something where we as coaches can kind of say that is the obvious viewpoint from the outside and we get it. However, when you work every day and talk to the players, you see things physically and where they are at in training, and sometimes that relates to what your selection is,’ the 44-year-old added.

‘With Aubameyang, in a short period, it has been hard for me to gauge that. When you see him come on against Brentford you see the different feeling in the team. One thing for sure is that he is a high-level player but he is clearly also in a situation where he is not at his freshest or sharpest.

‘I want a number nine that we can play off and rely on. It is not ideal for me to play Raheem Sterling or Joao Felix in the number nine position, but we had to against Real Madrid. Kai [Havertz] was missing in one of those matches, so there are a lot of things you have to put together. The solution is not always as easy as it seems. I must see if they are ready enough to play.’