Arsenal manager Unai Emery has explained why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on the bench for Monday night's win over Newcastle United.

The Gabon international was introduced after 61 minutes for Alex Iwob during the 2-0 victory.

But Emery says he almost missed the game altogether due to illness.

"Aubameyang has had a temperature for two days and was doubtful to play today," he said.

"But also, he is coming for us to start on the bench and after he was good and he felt good in his 30 minutes.

"[Aaron Ramsey came off but] it's only cramp. I don't think it's more and I hope he will be ready for Sunday at Everton.

"We started Friday with not good news with Xhaka, because he has a small injury and he could not play today.

"Koscielny was coming with us in the group, but with some pain, and he said to us he is not ready to play the match.

"But then, we had a good response from other players because we have players with good work who decided to play for us."