Manchester City have been dealt with a significant blow. There’s been confirmation that their summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri will be sidelined for around five weeks due to an ankle injury. The Algerian left-back quickly established himself as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice option on the flank but will now be unavailable for some time.
Ait-Nouri sustained the setback during City’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and has not featured since. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ait-Nouri is unlikely to return before mid or late October. His absence comes at a critical stage of the season.
Man City are preparing for a congested schedule across domestic and European competitions. The 24-year-old is expected to miss as many as nine matches. This includes the Manchester derby, and Champions League clashes against Napoli and Monaco.
He could also miss Premier League encounters with Arsenal, Burnley, and Everton. A potential comeback could be expected on City’s trip to Aston Villa on October 26. Full fitness is expected before the high-profile clash against Liverpool at the Etihad on November 8.
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Ait-Nouri had been in strong form prior to his injury. He played a key role in City’s FIFA Club World Cup win. He also delivered a standout display in the opening-day 4-0 win against Wolves. His enforced spell on the sidelines halts that momentum just as he seemed to be cementing the left-back position.
The French-born defender’s injury adds to an already concerning list of absentees for Man City. Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Cherki, and Omar Marmoush are all unavailable. Meanwhile, fitness doubts linger over Phil Foden, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol.
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Guardiola must now consider his defensive reshuffle. Nathan Ake remains the most experienced option to cover at left-back. On the other hand, Gvardiol could also step in if he overcomes his own knock. Academy product Rico Lewis and youngster Nico O’Reilly may also get opportunities in the upcoming weeks.
Despite these options, none can quite replicate the attacking drive Ait-Nouri has provided since arriving at the Etihad. His absence not only weakens City’s defensive solidity but it also impacts their attacking transitions. That makes this injury a particularly untimely setback as the champions navigate a busy run of fixtures.
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