Algeria manager issues major Rayan Ait-Nouri injury update for Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City have received a significant boost concerning Rayan Ait-Nouri and the Algerian’s injury sustained last weekend against Tottenham.

The summer recruit, signed from Wolves in a big-money deal, had quickly established himself as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice left-back. However, concern swept through the Etihad Stadium last weekend when Ait-Nouri was forced off during defeat to Tottenham.

Ait-Nouri’s arrival in Manchester marked part of a wider defensive refresh at Manchester City, with the club keen to secure long-term stability on the left side of defence, with early performances showcasing defensive assurance and attacking contribution.

Any injury setback was therefore seen as a major worry for coaching staff, particularly as City continue to balance domestic fixtures with their upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign and Carabao Cup third round clash with Huddersfield Town.

Pep Guardiola has already had to cope with injuries in other areas of his squad this summer, notably in midfield where Mateo Kovacic has been sidelined with an Achilles problem, while Rodri has been continuing his work towards full match readiness.

Now, speaking upon the announcement of his latest Algeria squad, manager Vladimir Petković spoke out on Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury concern from the weekend’s Manchester City defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

“Ait-Nouri had an injury. The doctors said it’s not serious,” Petković told reporters this week ahead of Manchester City’s return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

The Algeria boss continued on his star left-back, “He has trained to join the group. Man City plan to have him play in the next match.”

For Pep Guardiola and his staff, the news comes as a timely lift. With Brighton up next, City are eager to return to winning ways and the presence of Ait-Nouri in the starting line-up would reinforce a backline that has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

The Algerian’s ability to transition quickly into attack has been a valuable asset in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup over the course of the summer, offering width and creativity on the left.

Looking further ahead, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fitness will also be key for Algeria as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures, with Petković signalling his importance in the squad’s plans. For Manchester City, maintaining his health throughout the campaign will be vital in their pursuit of silverware both at home and in Europe.

It remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola chooses to start Ait-Nouri immediately against Brighton or manages his minutes carefully after the scare, with an international break also looming for the club.