Franco-Algerian winger Rayan Cherki sidelined for two months with injury

France international of Algerian descent Rayan Cherki will be out of action for two months following an injury setback.

Cherki, who switched from Lyon to join Manchester City in the current transfer window missed their game against Brighton and Hove Albion due to a thigh problem.

In his absence, Manchester City succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, marking the club’s second straight defeat in the Premier League after a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

The talented attacker will miss Manchester City’s three mammoth upcoming games against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal.

Cherki’s absence leaves Pep Guardiola without a dynamic creative option heading into a daunting fixture schedule. Manchester City will host Manchester United in the first derby of the campaign, host Napoli for their opening Champions League league-phase clash, and then return to the Premier League away to rivals Arsenal.

Following the injury setback, Cherki has pulled out of the France squad for the upcoming international break. Les Bleus will face Ukraine and Poland for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the September international break.

However, Liverpool new recruit, Hugo Ekitike, who has Cameroonian root has been called to replace Cherki.