Manchester City head to Brighton this weekend with some good news from Pep Guardiola.
The manager has confirmed that new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri is fit to play, despite the ankle scare that forced him off against Tottenham.
Fans feared the worst after seeing him limp down the tunnel, but Guardiola has now eased those concerns.
The update comes at an important moment. City lost at home to Spurs and face another tricky test at the Amex.
Ait-Nouri’s quick return gives Guardiola one less headache as the season gathers pace. The left-back’s availability also helps Algeria, with World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What Pep Guardiola said?
Manchester City FC
Asked about Ait-Nouri’s condition, Guardiola was brief but clear: “He’s fine.” The boss confirmed the defender is available for Sunday’s clash, giving City much-needed stability in defense.
Guardiola also spoke about Savinho, who is still waiting for his first minutes this season. The winger has been sidelined with an injury but could be back after the international break. On that, Guardiola admitted: “I hope so, I hope so, yeah.”
On Rodri, the coach said he backed Spain’s decision to call him up, stressing the midfielder needs minutes to build rhythm after his long layoff. “If the player is fit, I always support that they go to the national team,” Guardiola explained.
With the transfer window closing soon, Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest. He told reporters to save questions on rumors until after deadline day, joking about not answering questions on “potential flights.”
City may be limping slightly into September, but Ait-Nouri’s recovery is a clear lift. Guardiola now has the chance to shuffle his deck wisely before the bigger tests arrive.
Brighton away will be no stroll on the south coast, but at least City’s left flank looks steadier than expected.
Manchester City news and related links
