Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON | OneFootball

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Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON | OneFootball

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·7 December 2025

Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON

Article image:Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON

Algeria: The Aït-Nouri situation becomes alarming

Article image:Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON

Rayan Aït-Nouri causes concern for Algeria just 15 days before AFCON

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Concern is mounting around Rayan Aït-Nouri, with just fifteen days to go before the kick-off of AFCON 2025. An undisputed starter under Vladimir Petkovic, the left-back is going through a worrying spell at Manchester City, where his playing time has evaporated since his return from injury. In the Premier League, he hasn't started a match since August 31, and his only recent starts have come in a cup game and twice in the Champions League. This situation is causing real anxiety in Algeria, with fears that he will lack match sharpness heading into a crucial tournament.

Questioned about this surprising decision, Pep Guardiola was quick to defuse any controversy.

"He played in the Club World Cup and was excellent... then he got injured. Nico O'Reilly took his place and played really well. That's the only reason. Nothing more," assured the Catalan coach,

also brushing aside rumors of tension: "We are really happy with Rayan Aït-Nouri... But for now, Nico is playing really, really well!"

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