Omar Marmoush return date to Manchester City after AFCON confirmed | OneFootball

Manchester City will remain without Omar Marmoush for this weekend’s derby day clash at Old Trafford, despite Egypt’s defeat to Senegal in the semi-final of AFCON.

While City prepare for one of the most demanding fixtures in the calendar, Pep Guardiola continues to juggle squad availability shaped by international commitments in Morocco over the last few weeks.

Much like the recent situation involving Rayan Aït-Nouri’s return from Algeria duty, Omar Marmoush’s reintegration has been closely monitored as Manchester City look to restore full attacking depth during a decisive phase of the season.

The absence of several players due to AFCON has tested Guardiola’s squad rotation, and City’s recent matches have shown an element of resilience, even if performances have not always been reflected in results.

Omar Marmoush’s situation is particularly important given his ability to operate across the front line, offering pace, direct running, and tactical flexibility, and with Erling Haaland labelled as “exhausted” after the clash with Newcastle in midweek, the return of the Egyptian has taken on even greater prominence.

But despite Egypt’s narrow defeat to Senegal at the semi-final stage of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, Marmoush will remain in Morocco and available for selection as he and his teammates take on Nigeria in Saturday evening’s third place play-off clash.

Confirming that stance, Pep Guardiola told reporters ahead of the weekend’s match-up with Manchester United at Old Trafford, “When he finishes the third [place] game, he will travel back [to Manchester].”

Assuming no complications following the third-place play-off, Omar Marmoush is expected to rejoin Manchester City early next week, placing him in contention for selection in the matches that follow.

That could see him return just as City approach a congested period of fixtures where squad depth becomes increasingly critical, but an away trip to Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle could yet come too early depending on the player’s fitness and fatigue following travel.

As with Aït-Nouri’s recent return from AFCON after Algeria’s exit, Guardiola will assess Marmoush’s condition before reintegrating him into the starting line-up, while training, recovery, and tactical preparation will play a role in determining his return timeframe.