Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier has suggested to Nottinghamshire Live that he isn’t ready to return against Everton. The Reds face a big game at the City Ground and it’s a hammer blow that the Ivory Coast international won’t be available.
The 30-year-old suffered an injury in the closing stages of the contest against Manchester City recently. He missed last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to West Ham and quite clearly he’s a big player for the Reds.
Aurier checked in at the City Ground in the summer. He signed shortly after the summer transfer window had closed on a free transfer and has looked like one of the better signings that the club has made.
Ahead of Sunday’s huge game against Everton, the right-back has been quizzed on his fitness and it doesn’t look hopeful for this weekend.
Aurier told Nottinghamshire Live: “It’s a special injury so you can’t say two or three weeks; you have to see how you are feeling. Right now, I’m not ready to go with the team but I try my best. I’m better than before and we will see in a couple of days.
“The injury was frustrating, but I think now is a good moment for the team. We work hard and I work hard as well.
“For me, I’ve stopped right now but it’s an important moment for the team. Before the (international) break we need to fight and win as many games as possible.”
Aurier won’t return this weekend and that’s a huge blow
It’s a shame that the player with 82 caps for his country won’t be fit this weekend. It’s likely that Neco Williams will continue to deputise and the gulf in class between the two is evident.
Aurier is needed back and quickly. The experienced performer is far better than Williams defensively and he suits the right-back role far better than the Welshman does.
The man who has played for PSG, Tottenham and Villarreal will be vital to Forest’s fortunes this season. As a result, the Reds need him back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
