Pep Guardiola confirms that Rayan Ait-Nouri is available for this weekend’s clash with Brighton | OneFootball

Tyrone Marshall reported yesterday for Manchester Evening News that Rayan Ait-Nouri was fit to play in Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton at the Amex Stadium this Sunday. The Algerian international sustained an ankle injury during the early stages of Manchester City’s 2-nil defeat to Tottenham last weekend. Now, a definitive update on the fitness of Rayan Ait-Nouri has emerged today. Pep Guardiola has declared the left-back fit to play on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola reveals that Rayan Ait-Nouri is fit to play against Brighton.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference earlier today, Pep Guardiola was asked about the condition of Rayan Ait-Nouri. When asked about Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fitness, Guardiola said: “He’s fine.” When asked if Ait-Nouri was available for Sunday’s match against Brighton, Pep Guardiola said: “Yes.”

The next question is who will start at left-back for Manchester City on Sunday.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s availability for Sunday’s match is good news for Manchester City. The Algerian international has started each of Manchester City’s first two Premier League games this season. In possession, Ait-Nouri has shown that he will add to Pep Guardiola’s side’s attacking play. That could prove to be a valuable weapon against a Brighton side that is renowned for playing attacking football.

If Rayan Ait-Nouri weren’t deemed fit enough to play on Sunday, it would be expected that Nathan Ake would likely start at left-back. Ake is a solid defender, but wouldn’t offer what Ait-Nouri does in possession. Josko Gvardiol could also start at left-back but the Croatian international is working his way back to full fitness. He has missed Manchester City’s first two games of the new season due to injury.

It would appear that Rayan Ait-Nouri will be available for Manchester City’s clash with Brighton on Sunday. That is good news for Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of their final Premier League fixture ahead of the upcoming international break.