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Serge Aurier Returns To Cote D’Ivoire National Team For Mali Encounter

Serge Aurier Returns To Cote D’Ivoire National Team For Mali Encounter

The Cote D’Ivoire national team will be boosted by the return of star defender Serge Aurier from injury ahead of the side’s first World Cup qualifier against Mali this coming weekend.

The opening match of Russia 2018 qualifying for the African champions will take place this Saturday at the Stade Bouaké, and the Elephants will be able to count on the defensive efforts of the Paris Saint-Germain player.

The 23-year-old was unavailable for his national team’s 1-1 draw against Sierra Leone in September due to an ankle injury suffered while playing for his club in a French Ligue 1 match against Monaco.

The Cote D’Ivoire international has struggled with injuries over the last few months, but he managed to return to the pitch recently in time for his French club’s UEFA Champions League match against north London club Arsenal at the Parc des Prince, to the delight of PSG coach Unai Emery.

The Ivorian combative defender has been a consistent performer for the Paris club, winning the French league title consistently in recent seasons, and becoming an important figure at the back in the French capital.

Aurier adds strength to Cote D’Ivoire national team

On Sunday he took to social media to reveal his excitement at returning to action for the Ivorian national team, when he posted on his Instagram account, saying: “Comeback🙏🏾 Onelove🍊🍚🍏💕 #17🍀🔥🔥.”

Cote D’Ivoire won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a penalty shootout final victory over Ghana, and the team have qualified to defend their title in January, but before that tournament they must focus on the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 2015 AFCON champs are in World Cup qualifying Group C with rivals Morocco, Gabon and Mali. They are aiming to secure a ticket to their fourth straight World Cup.

Aurier was recently sentenced to two months imprisonment for assaulting a policeman in France, but he is able to play for Cote D’Ivoire against Mali, and will therefore be an important contributor at the back for the Ivorians.