Rayan Aït-Nouri
Algeria
Left
Jun 6, 2001
24
5'11"
154 lb
LB
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Overlapping Full Back
Assist again
Ait-Nouri assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri looks to be sealing a decent role at left-back after Nico O'Reilly's move to the midfield, his eighth straight start in that role. He would add to it with a second straight game with an assist, his only two goal contributions in 12 appearances this season. He also added one tackle, an interception and a clearance in the defense, not their best day in the defense as a team.
Bags assist
Ait-Nouri assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 win over Leeds United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 92nd minute.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri saw a decent outing Saturday that would see him help to his club's win, finding Antoine Semenyo in injury time of the first half. This is the defender's first league assist of the season, coming after 11 appearances. However, he has only started in eight games this season, a solid reason why he is far off his seven assists from last season with Wolves.
Notches three crosses
Ait-Nouri generated one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-0 win versus Galatasaray.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri would earn the start for a second straight UCL match Wednesday and saw some decent work, recording a shot, three crosses and three chances created in the attack to go along with one tackle, an intercpetion and three clearances in the defense. He will hope this leads to more time after a rough start of the season between injuries and going unused, with only 10 appearances between UCL and league play this campaign.
Assists off bench in EFL semifinal
Ait-Nouri played the final minutes and delivered an assist as a substitute in Tuesday's EFL Cup win over Newcastle.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri saw his first few minutes since returning from international duty, as he came off the bench in the 88th minute of the midweek clash. He got involved in his team's second goal by pulling a ball back for Rayan Cherki to score. The Algerian is now an option for the weekend's derby against Manchester United, although he's not guaranteed a starting role with Nico O'Reilly and Nathan Ake more recently deployed at left-back. Still, Ait-Nouri will offer attacking upside if he's eventually given opportunities after being active in five AFCON games for his country.
Returns to Manchester
Ait-Nouri is heading back to Manchester after completing his international duty with Algeria at the AFCON and should be back available for the derby against Manchester United on Saturday.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri was eliminated with Algeria from the AFCON and will now head back to Manchester and should be back available for the derby on Saturday since the first leg of the semifinal of the Carabao Cup is coming too close for him. The left-back has mainly been a bench option following his ankle injury earlier in the season and he should resume that role for the Citizens.
Will represent Algeria
Ait-Nouri is not available for the time being as he will represent Algeria at AFCON.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri is out for likely around the next month, as the defender will head to AFCON and serve with Algeria until their elimination. This will leave the club without their first replacement at left-back, with Josko Gvadriol or Nathan Ake as possible options at left-back if something were to happen to Nico O'Reilly. With Algeria one of the favorites in the tournament, he is likely to make a deep run and be unavailable for most of January.
Starts in cup
Ait-Nouri got the start and played 63 minutes during Wednesday's clash with Swansea.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri is back from an ankle injury and played a bit over an hour during Wednesday's clash. The full-back was then replaced by Josko Gvardiol. Now that Ait-Nouri is back fully fit he should be a consistent piece of the first team, as City look to compete in multiple competitions.
Bench option
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Villarreal.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri is returning from his injury Tuesday, finally fit again after an absence dating back to the September international break. This is huge news for the club as they gain back their regular starter at left-back, starting through the first three games of the season. However, he will have to comepete wirh Nico O'Reilly, who has seen success since taking over the left-back role.
Traveling with team
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is traveling with the team for Tuesday's match agaisnt Villarreal.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri could be in for his return Tuesday, as the defender is traveling with the team after missing the past seven games through injury. This is huge news for the club as they enter the busy parts of the season, not only gaining back depth but more importantly gaining back a regular starter. The question remains if he will see the start or not immediately and the club will be cautious, as Nico O'Reilly has has success since Ait-Nouri went down, although he is also dealing with a minor injury.
Remains out Saturday
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Everton.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri will not be part of the squad for Saturday's match against the Toffees as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. The left-back trained this week but isn't yet ready for a return to action. His comeback appears close, and he may rejoin the squad in the coming fixtures.
Could return soon
Ait-Nouri (ankle) trained on Thursday and is nearing a return, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Rayan trained yesterday and is much better. He's close to being back."
Analysis: Ait-Nouri is very close to returning to the match squad after training fully on Thursday and appears to have recovered from his ankle injury. It remains uncertain if the left-back will make the squad to face the Toffees on Saturday, but he should be back very soon and ready to compete for a starting role on the left flank.
Out at least five weeks
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is set to miss about five weeks of competition due to injury, according to City Xtra.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri suffered an ankle injury in the game against Tottenham but still played the full 90 minutes against Brighton before the international break. That said, the Algerian is still dealing with the issue since he did not join his country for international duty and recent scans revealed a serious problem that will sideline him for the next five weeks. With the return of Josko Gvardiol, his absence will not impact the starting XI as much as expected, although Ait-Nouri started the first three Premier League games of this campaign.
Still not fully recovered
Ait Nouri (ankle) has still not fully recovered from his injury and remains out for Sunday's derby against Manchester United after not joining Algeria for international duty, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference.
Analysis: Ait Nouri is still dealing with an ankle injury and has been ruled out for Sunday's derby against Manchester United. The left back didn't join the Algerian squad for international duty in order to recover, but with Josko Gvardiol back in team training, the medical staff might be cautious with him to avoid aggravating the issue. Once fully fit, Ait Nouri is expected to reclaim his spot in the backline.
Starting Sunday
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Brighton.
Analysis: Ait-Nouri has returned to the team sheet as expected Sunday, with the defender shaking off his ankle issues to make the starting XI. The defender should remain in the starting XI now that he is fit, moving forward, and now starting in all three games this season.
Fit to face Brighton
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is fit for Sunday's match against Brighton, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "He's fine."
Analysis: Ait-Nouri is an option for Sunday's contest as expected after some positive reports earlier in the week, with the defender ready to face Brighton despite the rough-looking injury he picked up last outing. This is huge news for the club, as he started their opening two games on the left flank, likely to return to that spot immediately. They will now hope he can remain fit, with the defense already appearing to struggle after their loss to Tottenham.
Expected to play against Brighton
Ait-Nouri (ankle) is expected to play against Brighton on Sunday, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said in a press conference, according to Dean Ammi. "Ait-Nouri had an injury. The doctors said it's not serious. He has trained to join the group. Man City plan to have him play in the next match."
Analysis: Ait-Nouri was forced off early in Saturday's defeat against Spurs after suffering an ankle sprain in a challenge. That said, the injury appears to be minor since he was back in team training this week and is expected to play in Sunday's clash against the Seagulls. The Algerian has been selected by his country for their upcoming games and isn't a doubt moving forward.
Hopes to be back Sunday
Ait-Nouri suffered an apparent ankle injury in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Tottenham but coach Pep Guardiola hopes he can be available for Sunday's clash against Brighton. "I didn't speak with the doctors yet. It looks like his ankle. We have seven days, hopefully he can recover."
Analysis: Ait-Nouri was forced off early in Saturday's defeat against Spurs after suffering an ankle sprain in a challenge. The Algerian tried to continue but it was too painful for him and he likely left the pitch as a precaution. City now have seven days before the clash against Brighton on Sunday, leaving some hope about the presence of Ait-Nouri in the match squad. That said, if he has to miss the game or start on the bench, Nathan Ake is expected to start in the backline in his place.
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