Veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss Gabon’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations next week but is expected to recover in time for the remainder of the group stage in Morocco.

The 36-year-old, a long-standing talisman for his country, was forced off with a thigh injury during Olympique de Marseille’s Ligue 1 victory over AS Monaco on Sunday. The Gabonese Football Federation confirmed Aubameyang will remain in France to undergo treatment before linking up with the national squad.

“Olympique de Marseille’s medical staff requested that Aubameyang continue his medical care in Marseille after consultation with the national team’s doctors,” the federation said in a statement.

“The player will be unavailable for the December 24 match against Cameroon. Depending on his clinical and imaging progress, participation in the December 28 match against Mozambique remains possible.”

Both fixtures will be played in Agadir.

Gabon, who face defending champions Ivory Coast in their final Group F match on December 31 in Marrakech, may also be forced into a defensive reshuffle. Metz centre-back Michel Mboula is doubtful for the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury of his own.