Arsene Wenger Says Aubameyang a Doubt to Face Everton, Bemoans Defensive Frailty

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed new club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a doubt to make his debut against Everton on Saturday. The Gunners boss also said his side need a solution to their defensive troubles two days after the winter transfer window closed. 

Aubameyang moved to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day for a fee of £56 million, per BBC Sport. However, Wenger told the media on Friday the match may come too soon for his debut: "He started yesterday but wasn't completely well. I will see with the medical department."

Further examinations of the Gabon international will be carried out over the next 24 hours, although Wenger confirmed fellow January signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan will start against the Toffees and is hopeful Jack Wilshere will be fit.

The north Londoners are looking to bounce back from Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Swansea City, a result that left the club with only two wins from their last eight. Their last clean-sheet victory came against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup on December 19.

Aubameyang will reunite with former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Mkhitaryan at the Emirates, and the club will be hopeful they can revive their prolific partnership in a new setting.

Alexis Sanchez moved to Manchester United in exchange for Mkhitaryan, who made his debut at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday.

Although Aubameyang has arrived six months after Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, Wenger hinted all his attacking assets could function together, per ESPN FC's Mattias Karen: 

When asked for his assessment of Arsenal's transfer dealings in January, Wenger conceded more could have been done and highlighted defence—the one area the club failed to reinforce—as a particular position in need.

Wenger said: "What I wanted to do, I have done more. But not everything I wanted. We could have done more. We must find an internal solution to our defensive problems. Overall I am happy with our transfer window."

It raises the question as to why the Gunners only bid £12 million for West Bromwich Albion centre-back Jonny Evans, per BBC Sport, while the Daily Star's Luke Gardener reported the offer was as low as £8 million.

Wenger also addressed speculation Alex Song could be set to rejoin the Gunners after training with his old club, dismissing any chance of reuniting with the 30-year-old former Cameroon international, per Karen:

Aubameyang is looking to make his first appearance for his new club after scoring 21 goals in 24 games for Dortmund during the first half of the season.

Arsenal are sixth and can climb within three points of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur if they beat Everton on Saturday, having beaten the Merseysiders in their last two meetings.