Chelsea have been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League tie with Paris Saint Germain, with the French club suspending defender Serge Aurier for an alleged homosexual slur directed at coach Laurent Blanc and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Aurier was captured on video suggesting Blanc had been involved in sexual activity with Ibrahimovic, while also insulting PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, defender Gregory van der Wiel and striker Edinson Cavani

The Daily Mirror is reporting the Ligue 1 club's senior players have refused to play alongside Aurier and the 23-year-old Ivorian international could be dumped as a result of his actions.

"I accept the sanctions and I assume the consequences," Aurier said in a statement.

"What I did was unforgiveable. I made a big mistake. I am here to apologise to the coach, my team-mates, the club and the fans."