Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier, who was initially ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, has returned to Egypt ahead of his side’s Round of 16 clash with Mali on Monday.
The Tottenham right-back hurt his ankle during the Elephants’ group match against Morocco on June 28 and was reported to have left the tournament for good.
However, after spending 10 days in Paris for treatment, the 26-year-old flew back and was seen in footages training with the Ivorian team in Suez on Sunday.
“I came back because I am feeling better and I am ready to play in the competition once more,” Aurier told Ivorian state broadcaster RTI.
“My trip to France was important for me to be certain of my situation. Now, I am around, and that’s the most important thing.”
It remains unclear whether Aurier would retake his spot from Mamadou Bakayoko against the Eagles of Mali on Monday.
“Aurier’s health has greatly improved. Will he play or not, that would boil down to choice. We have a group of 23 players and during his absence the team managed well. Everybody is ready for the match,” said Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara.
