Rayan Ait-Nouri was substituted within 25 minutes of his home debut for Manchester City after appearing to sustain an ankle injury during the 2-0 loss to Tottenham. The 36.3m summer signing had impressed on the opening weekend and was acquired as a specialist left-back to allow Josko Gvardiol to return to central defence when fit. Pep Guardiola expressed cautious optimism about a quick recovery but had not yet spoken to doctors. If Ait-Nouri misses the upcoming Brighton match, he is likely to be available after the international break. Gvardiol and Ederson could return soon as fixtures continue.
Ait-Nouri, who was a standout performer last season before his switch to City, has been brought in as a specialist left-back. His signing should allow star defender Josko Gvardiol to return to his preferred position in central defence, once fit. The Algerian will have some big boots to fill, however, as Gvardiol recently appeared at no.2 in FourFourTwo's list of the best left-backs in the world right now.
The time frame on Ait-Nouri's injury isn't yet clear, but Pep Guardiola was hopeful in the aftermath of the clash with Spurs that the defender could recover fairly quickly. 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, hopefully it can be recovered he said in his post-match press conference.
Collection
[
|
...
]