Rayan Aït-Nouri has re-established himself in Manchester City’s starting lineup after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, prompting Pep Guardiola to adjust his squad and reshuffle young prospect Nico O’Reilly.
The Algerian left-back, who had struggled with injuries and limited impact during the AFCON, immediately impressed upon his return from Morocco.
Following City’s 2025 AFCON quarter-final disappointment against Nigeria, Aït-Nouri reclaimed his starting role in the Premier League, starting in consecutive matches against Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fulham. His return underscores his importance to Guardiola’s tactical plans on the left flank.
Aït-Nouri’s path back into the team was not straightforward.
Between November 9 and December 6, 2025, he spent nearly a month on the bench, missing five matches without playing a single minute.
An extended absence followed during his AFCON duty, sidelining him for another five games, including fixtures against West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Brighton.
During this period, young English defender Nico O’Reilly capitalised on the opportunity, starting 18 of 20 matches and establishing himself as a regular in the left wing-back role.
Upon his return, Aït-Nouri’s performances prompted Guardiola to redeploy O’Reilly, initially moving him into an attacking midfield role and subsequently as a central midfielder.
The tactical adjustment highlighted Aït-Nouri’s status as the first-choice left-back.
Guardiola praised O’Reilly’s adaptability and impact in midfield, describing him as “top, top, top” while explaining the need for physical presence and stability in the left-side defensive role.
Aït-Nouri’s resurgence has coincided with notable team performances, including City’s landmark victory at Anfield, their first under Guardiola’s management.
The former Troyes player is expected to make his fourth consecutive start against Salford in the FA Cup fourth round at the Etihad Stadium, with no Premier League fixtures scheduled this weekend.
The Algerian’s return not only strengthens City’s left flank but also demonstrates Guardiola’s confidence in his experience and reliability, cementing Aït-Nouri’s place as a key figure in the Premier League champions’ squad.
