Arsenal are confident that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return for their clash with Everton on April 23.

The captain contracted malaria while on international duty with Gabon last month and missed his side's Europa League win on Thursday night.

Mikel Arteta confirmed after the win that his skipper was out of hospital and had hoped to have him available for this weekend's game with Fulham.

But the Gunners now believe that next week's game with the Toffees at the Emirates is a more "realistic" date for his return, reports ESPN.

Aubameyang said, "I've spent a few days in hospital this week but I'm already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly.

"I wasn't really feeling myself the last couple weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon! Will be watching my boys now, huge game for us! Let's go and get it."