Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed Friday that legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will not be selected for his side's next two matches.
The 40-year-old has started between the posts in all three of PSG's games so far this season, including the 4-0 Trophee des Champions win over AS Monaco. However, Tuchel confirmed to reporters that last season's No. 1, Alphonse Areola, will get a chance to compete, though he was keen to stress the "magnificent" Buffon has not been dropped due to performance.
"Alphonse will play against Angers and Nimes," Tuchel said, as reported by ESPN's Jonathan Johnson. "After that, we will see. I am not making any long-term decisions - Alphonse needs to play.
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"Gianluigi has put in three magnificent performances, so I am not dropping him. Rather, it is important in this preparatory phase that Alphonse is given a chance to play and that he adapts to the team."
Buffon has conceded just once as a PSG player since his headline transfer from longtime club Juventus this summer, getting beaten by Nolan Roux's opener against Guingamp in last weekend's eventual 3-1 win.
Tuchel will want to ensure Areola remains both content and competitive despite the arrival of Buffon after the 25-year-old Paris native missed just five Ligue 1 games last term. PSG may also be attempting to manage Buffon's minutes in the often-uncompetitive domestic division, particularly given the club's - and Buffon's - quest to win a first Champions League title.
