Manchester City have weapons they are yet to utilise in their armoury | OneFootball

Manchester City have entered the October international break in a good position. They are unbeaten in their past seven matches in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side is beginning to work their way into the 25/26 season, and there is plenty to be optimistic about when looking ahead. So far this season, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush are yet to fire a shot, so to speak, for Manchester City this season. Abdukodir Khusanov has shown that he could be City’s first-choice right-back when fit. All four players are due back from injury after the international break. Manchester City seemingly has weapons they have yet to utilise in their armoury.

Manchester City will be hoping to have Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov back after the international break.

It is expected that Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov will return to the Manchester City squad after the current international break. Rayan Cherki was in the Manchester City squad for their 1-nil win over Brentford. So his return is imminent. Cherki’s return from a thigh injury does give Pep Guardiola a bona fide match-winner to utilise.

The returns of Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov will also be a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City need a consistent goal threat outside of Erling Haaland. Marmoush should help in this regard. Nico O’Reilly has made the left-back position his own in Ait-Nouri’s absence. Ait-Nouri will offer something completely different to Nico O’Reilly when fit. The Algerian international is blessed with superb technical ability and should improve City’s play in possession. Abdukodir Khusanov has staked his claim to be Manchester City’s first-choice right-back. City’s defence should be stronger again with Khusanov fit.

The possibilities are tantalising for what Pep Guardiola can do with a full squad.

Outside of having a full squad available, Cherki, Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, and Khusanov fit; the combinations that Pep Guardiola could unleash are tantalising. We are yet to see a combination of Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Phil Foden available much this season. All of the players mentioned games do appear to have games that will mesh well together. Haaland, Foden and Doku have already shown this. As has Oscar Bobb in bursts. Adding Cherki and Marmoush to the mix will make Manchester City’s attack a more dangerous proposition.

Defensively, Manchester City will be stronger with the inclusion of Abdukodir Khusanov. Khusanov’s pace and strength in a challenge are assets to Pep Guardiola’s side. It is debatable whether or not City will be stronger defensively with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s return. But he will add quality in possession and unlock a different set of options in possession for Pep Guardiola to utilise.

Manchester City have significant weapons that they are yet to unleash this season. Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are yet play a significant role this season. But their returns are imminent. Add Abdukodir Khusanov’s return to the mix and Pep Guardiola will have a strong squad to utilise provided no fresh injury concerns emerge over the international break.