Manchester City will miss Omar Marmoush and Aït-Nouri during AFCON 2025 – Kolo Toure

Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Touré has acknowledged that the club will feel the absence of Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri when they depart for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, will see two of City’s important players representing their national teams.

Marmoush, the Egyptian attacking midfielder, has been called up by Egypt, while Aït-Nouri will join Algeria’s squad. Their departure is expected to come shortly after City’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

“If I’m not mistaken, it will be after our match against Crystal Palace this weekend. Omar [Marmoush] and [Rayan] Aït-Nouri will be there,” Kolo Touré said, confirming their upcoming national team duties.

He described both players as vital assets to the squad, adding, “Of course, they are two very important players. If the decision were up to Pep alone, he would want to play everyone, as we know.”

He also spoke about Guardiola’s deep connection with his players.

“He loves his players. Every time he has to leave one on the bench, it hurts him.”

Despite the expected disruption, Kolo Touré expressed confidence in the squad’s depth.

“We will certainly miss Omar and Aït-Nouri, but our team is strong enough to compensate for their absence,” he said.