Manchester City will benefit from the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri following Algeria’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Algeria suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, ending their campaign in Morocco. Ait-Nouri played a crucial role for his national team, participating in all five matches of the tournament and completing the full 90 minutes against Nigeria.
The 24-year-old left-back, who joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31.8 million last summer, now returns to England with hopes of making an impact. Despite his efforts, Algeria could not secure a place in the semi-finals, as goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams propelled Nigeria forward.
Ait-Nouri’s return comes at a pivotal time for City, who are in the midst of a hectic fixture schedule. While it remains uncertain whether he will be available for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United on January 10, he is expected to be fit for the eagerly anticipated clash with Manchester United on January 13.
Ait-Nouri’s Challenge at City
Since his transfer, Ait-Nouri has faced challenges in securing a regular spot in manager Pep Guardiola‘s lineup. The defender has started only four matches this season, hampered by injuries, fitness issues, and a struggle for form. With his recent run of games at AFCON, he may now find the opportunity to shine for Manchester City.
City’s demanding schedule includes five additional matches before the end of January, highlighting the need for depth in the squad. Ait-Nouri will compete with teammates Nico O’Reilly and Nathan Ake for the left-back position as the team aims to maintain their momentum in all competitions.
AFCON Impact on Other Players
While Ait-Nouri’s return is a boost for City, the situation for Omar Marmoush is less favorable. The Egyptian forward helped secure his team’s place in the AFCON semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast, scoring the opening goal in a thrilling match. Egypt will face Senegal on January 10, which means Marmoush will likely miss the fixture against City.
Conversely, Manchester United will welcome back Amad Diallo, who is set to return after Ivory Coast’s exit from the tournament, along with Bryan Mbeumo, following Cameroon’s defeat to Morocco. Both players will add to United’s attacking options ahead of the Manchester derby.
As the Premier League and domestic cup competitions heat up, Ait-Nouri’s return could be instrumental for Manchester City as they seek to maintain their competitive edge. The upcoming matches promise to be crucial for all teams involved, with every player expected to contribute to their club’s success.
