Manchester City will welcome back defender Rayan Ait-Nouri after Algeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Algeria was knocked out in the quarter-finals on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Nigeria. Ait-Nouri played a significant role for his national team, participating in all five of their matches during the tournament, including a full 90 minutes against Nigeria.
The defeat ended Algeria’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals, with Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Akor Adams from Sevilla scoring for a Nigerian side filled with Premier League talent. Following this exit, Ait-Nouri is now set to return to England, where he hopes to contribute to Manchester City in the coming fixtures.
While it remains uncertain whether Ait-Nouri will be available for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United on January 9, 2024, he is expected to be fit for the highly anticipated clash against Manchester United on January 13, 2024. Since joining City for £31.8 million from Wolves last summer, the 24-year-old has faced challenges, including injuries and limited playing time, starting only four matches for the club.
Having gained valuable match experience at AFCON, Ait-Nouri could see more opportunities to shine in the upcoming matches. Manager Pep Guardiola is dealing with a packed schedule, with City facing five additional matches before the end of January. Ait-Nouri will likely compete for the left-back position against Nico O’Reilly and Nathan Ake.
In contrast, City will be without Omar Marmoush for the match against United. Marmoush’s Egypt secured their semi-final spot at AFCON with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast. He scored the opening goal in a match that showcased Egypt’s resilience. With Egypt advancing, Marmoush will be unavailable for the Manchester derby.
On the other hand, United will see the return of Amad Diallo, as Ivory Coast’s exit from the tournament allows him to rejoin the squad. Diallo, alongside Bryan Mbeumo, who also returns after Cameroon’s elimination by Morocco, will bolster United’s lineup ahead of their crucial match against City.
As both teams prepare for this vital encounter, the return of Ait-Nouri and Diallo adds intrigue to an already compelling fixture. With Manchester City and Manchester United both vying for crucial points, fans can expect an exciting showdown in less than a week.
