Pep Guardiola Explains Why Rayan Ait-Nouri Could Miss Newcastle vs Man City Amid AFCON Return

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri might not feature in Tuesday's crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United, despite Algeria's exit from the AFCON.

Ait-Nouri, who joined City in the January transfer window, returned from international duty after Algeria's quarter-final defeat to Nigeria. However, Guardiola explained that the defender arrived late due to a missed flight connection, complicating his integration ahead of the January 13, 2026, clash at St. James' Park.[2][4]

"Rayan has come back from AFCON and missed a connection so was a little bit late. We will see how he feels. We will not take risks for players," Guardiola stated during his pre-match press conference.[4][5]

The Spaniard plans to assess Ait-Nouri's condition during Monday's training session before making a final decision. City's defensive unit is already stretched, with Ruben Dias sidelined by a hamstring injury, Josko Gvardiol out with a broken leg, and John Stones still not fully fit. Additional absences include Oscar Bobb and Savinho, while Omar Marmoush remains away with Egypt in AFCON semi-finals.[1][3]

Despite the boost of Ait-Nouri's availability, Guardiola emphasized caution, prioritizing player welfare amid a grueling schedule that includes the Manchester derby and Champions League ties. The versatile full-back, capable of playing as a traditional defender or higher up the pitch, offers tactical flexibility but may start on the bench if not fully recovered.[1]

Newcastle, sitting sixth in the Premier League, face their own issues with Fabian Schar's ankle injury and Tino Livramento's hamstring problem. City, six points behind leaders Arsenal, recently thrashed Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup, with Rodri and debutant Antoine Semenyo starring.[3]

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