Congo DR international Axel Tuanzebe is set to wait longer for his first appearance for AJ Auxerre, with manager Will Still indicating that the defender is unlikely to be included in the squad for this weekend’s match.
Tuanzebe joined Auxerre during the summer transfer window but has yet to make his competitive debut for the French club.
Still says the defender needs more time to prepare physically before being exposed to the demands of competitive football.
The decision represents a cautious approach from the Auxerre coaching staff, who want the former Premier League and Serie A player to reach full fitness before making his return to action.
Tuanzebe is expected to miss this weekend’s fixture unless there is an unforeseen change, with his preparation programme continuing ahead of his eventual Ligue 1 debut.
The Congo DR international arrived at Auxerre with considerable experience of playing at a high level in European football.
He has previously featured in the Premier League and Serie A and is now preparing to experience Ligue 1 for the first time.
His arrival was intended to add experience and strength to the Auxerre defence, but the club are unwilling to rush him back into competition before he is physically ready.
The coaching staff are instead continuing to work on his fitness, allowing the defender to gradually adapt to the demands of his new team and the intensity of the French league.
For Auxerre, the priority is to ensure Tuanzebe can make a sustained contribution once he is ready rather than risk an injury by bringing him into the squad too early.
The defender’s delayed start is therefore not expected to reduce the importance attached to him by the club.
Tuanzebe is regarded as a player with the experience needed to make an impact in France after spending time in two of Europe’s major leagues.
His background in the Premier League and Serie A has exposed him to high-level competition, while his international experience with Congo DR adds another dimension to his profile.
That combination is expected to make him an important option for Auxerre once he reaches the required level of fitness.
The club’s supporters will now have to wait a little longer to see the new signing in competitive action.
