Arsenal in ‘feel good’ mood: Champions League boost amid Premier League action
Sep 10, 2016 at 4:24 PM
Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Paris-Saint German after Serge Aurier ruled himself out through injury.
PSG’s Ivorian right-back Serge Aurier (sprained ankle) has ruled himself out of next Tuesday’s #UCL game at home to Arsenal #SSFootball
— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) September 8, 2016
French publication Le Parisien reported that the defender had suffered a sprained ankle in the 3-1 defeat to Monaco before the recent international break.
And, when asked if he would be fit enough to take part in the match against the Gunners, Aurier ruled himself out of contention for the game, saying: “No, I am still recovering.
“I have lots of steps to go through before I can return to the pitch, either for Friday or next Tuesday.
“I hope to be back in contention [for a starting role] as quickly as possible though.”
Aurier, 23, had been an ever present in the Ligue 1 champions’ side before picking up the knock.
Despite being unavailable for the encounter against Arsene Wenger’s men, Aurier said that the rest of PSG’s first-team squad were eager to get one over the Londoners in their first match of the continental competition.
Arsenal and PSG are joined by FC Basel and Ludogorets in Group A of the 2016/17 Champions League campaign.
And the right-back is desperate for the French outfit to get off to the best possible start when the tournament kicks off on September 13.
He added: “We have the right to lose a game, even when your name is Paris Saint-Germain.
“But everyone is mentally ready for this challenge against Arsenal. First, you have to win in the league. Then in the Champions League, we are in a group to progress, but the first place can be very important. Arsenal want it too.
“The battle starts now. Everyone wants to bounce.”