Paris St Germain yet to decide whether Serge Aurier will play again this season

19 February 2016 16:53

Paris St Germain coach Laurent Blanc does not yet know whether defender Serge Aurier will play for the club again this season.

The right-back has apologised after a live question-and-answer session on Periscope came to light in which he insulted Blanc and several PSG players.

Aurier was suspended for the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea at Parc des Princes on Tuesday night and faces further disciplinary action from his club.

PSG, who are some 24 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, return to domestic action against Reims on Saturday evening.

In his pre-match media conference, Blanc confirmed a final decision on Aurier's future had yet to be made one way or the other.

"The club will take a decision, not the coach. I will certainly have a conversation with him, but everyone will have to respect the decision made by the club. After that is handed down, we will know whether we can count on him for the remainder of the season," Blanc said, quoted on www.psg.fr.

The French side will defend a 2-1 lead back in London for the second leg on March 9.

Before then, though, Blanc is expecting focus on domestic matters, with a much-changed PSG having been held to a goalless draw at home by Lille last weekend which brought to an end their 16-match winning streak.

"We prepare for every match looking for the victory and so it is the same same thing for Saturday's match, with no disrespect to Reims," Blanc said.

"We are not second-guessing ourselves. We have to win matches.

"It is the best preparation for the big matches that are coming up, having game time, playing, winning...that's the most important thing.

"We mustn't focus on the date of when the title is won. We are not yet champions, but when that becomes the case, we will be very happy."

Midfielder Javier Pastore is not expected to feature because of a groin problem, the latest in a run of niggling injuries.

Blanc said: "As usual, it is not very serious. We hope to have him back next week, if his injuries subside."

Reims are one of only four teams to have taken a point off PSG in Ligue 1 this season, drawing 1-1 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in September.

Coach Olivier Guegan, though, accepts his team must produce another determined performance if they are to avoid being swept aside by the quality of the opposition.

"If we go there just to take pictures at the most beautiful stadium in France, it will be difficult for us, so we must head to the Parc with great determination and positivity," he said in a press conference, quoted by www.leparisien.fr.

"It all depends on what PSG team are presented - if it is the one of Tuesday in the Champions League, then there are few teams who can resist them.

"Against them last time, we played a game with a lot of quality and had found a formula.

"However, now PSG are at home, they will be like a steamroller which do not leave many openings for the opponents, so we must be ready to defend well."

Source: PA