Rayan Aït-Nouri’s afternoon ended in disappointment as the Algerian full-back was forced off with injury during Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday.
The 23-year-old left the pitch in the 23rd minute after a heavy challenge with Mohammed Kudus left him clutching his left ankle.
Nathan Aké replaced him, but the injury has sparked serious concern for Algeria just days before their crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana on 4 September.
Aït-Nouri has become an integral part of Vladimir Petković’s system, offering both defensive solidity and attacking drive down the flank.
His potential absence comes at a time when the Algerian squad is already stretched by a string of fitness problems. Joaquim Hajem is seen as the most likely option to step in should the City defender be ruled out.
Algeria’s camp is facing what has been described as a full-blown injury crisis.
Although Baghdad Bounedjah, Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura have only just returned from layoffs, the team remains without Mohamed Farès, Alexandre Oukidja and Mohamed Farsi.
Adding to the troubles are the long-term absence of Soheib Nair, Mohamed-Amine Madani’s three-month spell on the sidelines, and the ongoing inactivity of Ismaël Bennacer, who is still without a club.
Even promising youngster Amine Chiakha has struggled to adapt to his new environment, leaving Petković with dwindling options.
The timing of Aït-Nouri’s setback is especially frustrating.
Since his summer move from Wolverhampton to Manchester City, he has enjoyed an encouraging start, impressing at the Club World Cup and in his early Premier League appearances.
His dynamism and consistency had made him one of the most reliable figures in both his club and national set-ups.
City’s medical team will carry out further assessments to determine the extent of the injury and the expected recovery period.
For Petković, the hope remains that Aït-Nouri’s setback is less serious than feared, as Algeria prepare for two vital World Cup qualifiers — first against Botswana, followed by Guinea on 8 September.
The coach now faces the task of reshaping his squad amid mounting setbacks, with the situation leaving Algeria anxiously awaiting news from Manchester regarding one of their most dependable defenders.
