Pep Guardiola confirms Rayan Ait-Nouri injury latest ahead of Brighton clash | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued an update on the injury sustained by Rayan Ait-Nouri against Tottenham last weekend.

The Algerian left-back was forced off during City’s 0-2 defeat to Spurs at the Etihad Stadium, raising fears of a potential lay-off just weeks into the brand new Premier League season, and in the lead up to a crunch September schedule.

Ait-Nouri, who joined the club this summer and has quickly established himself as Guardiola’s preferred choice on the left of defence, looked in discomfort after an ankle problem. However, the City boss has now moved to reassure supporters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton.

The timing of the concern was especially sensitive, given Pep Guardiola had already spoken this summer about the importance of stability and consistency within his backline. With injuries to key players over the last 12 months, the prospect of losing Ait-Nouri threatened to complicate Manchester City’s early-season rhythm.

Yet, reassurance also came midweek from Algeria manager Vladimir Petković, who revealed that his medical staff had been informed the issue was not serious, further hinting at a quick return.

In the aftermath of the defeat to Tottenham, Guardiola had admitted he was awaiting clarity from club doctors, remarking: “I didn’t speak with the doctors yet. It looks like the ankle, but I didn’t speak with the doctors yet. We have seven days [until Brighton], hopefully it can be recovered.”

That cautious tone has now turned to confirmation, with the Manchester City boss set to have his first-choice left-back available for the trip to the south coast.

Speaking to the media ahead of City’s visit to the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was quizzed by reporters on the fitness of his seemingly mainstay left-back following his injury problem sustained against Tottenham.

“He’s fine,” Guardiola insisted on the Algeria international, before further confirming that the player is available for selection on the south coast.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s recovery is a major boost for Pep Guardiola, who is likely to rotate carefully given the demanding schedule ahead. With fixtures against Brighton and the looming start of European competition, the ability to call on his new signing offers tactical continuity down the left flank.

The 24-year-old’s availability could also ease pressure on Guardiola to accelerate Joško Gvardiol or Nathan Aké into more minutes at left-back, allowing them to instead focus on central roles and progress their fitness during the early stage of the season.

Furthermore, Ait-Nouri’s return will be welcome news to Algeria as they prepare for their upcoming international commitments. Looking forward, the player’s fitness could play a defining role in how Manchester City navigate the early stages of the campaign.

With Guardiola also publicly managing expectations around new signings such as James Trafford and Rayan Cherki, ensuring stability in defence will be crucial. A strong showing at the Amex would not only signal the left-back’s sharp return but also help City bounce back swiftly from their Tottenham setback.