Serge Aurier is set to make his return to the starting lineup for Paris Saint-Germain, after a period of injury and suspension. The Ivorian right-back has been competing with Gregory Van Der Wiel for the position on the right flank, but with his recent recovery, he’s expected to feature more prominently in the team’s upcoming matches.
At the beginning of the season, Aurier struggled to find his best form. PSG coach Laurent Blanc explained that the adaptation process was tough for him, as he faced a mix of good and poor performances. “There were some poor performances and some good matches from Van der Wiel,” Blanc remarked, acknowledging the competition for the spot.
Aurier’s standout moment this year came with Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, a victory that not only boosted his confidence but also gave him time to reflect on his personal life. Upon his return from international duty, Aurier was full of energy, but an injury sidelined him briefly. Blanc emphasized that the player has since made a strong recovery, noting that he performed well in PSG’s League Cup final.
Blanc is hopeful that Aurier will maintain this level of performance for the remainder of the season, similar to his form during the Africa Cup of Nations. This will be a crucial period for PSG, and Aurier’s return to full fitness could be an important factor in their pursuit of domestic and European glory.