Manchester City star returns to team hotel in ambulance during African Cup of Nations | OneFootball

Footage emerging from the African Cup of Nations has revealed Rayan Ait-Nouri returning to the Algerian team hotel from training in an ambulance.

The development has prompted concern among Algeria and Manchester City fans, particularly given the growing focus on player fitness during a congested winter schedule that has already seen several high-profile injury scares across club and international football.

Ait-Nouri has been a regular presence in Algeria’s squad throughout the tournament so far, with his athleticism and defensive reliability forming an important part of Vladimir Petković’s plans.

Any potential issue at this stage of the competition would come as an unwelcome distraction for a side that has otherwise enjoyed a perfect start to the African Cup of Nations.

Algeria arrive at the knockout phase in confident mood after sweeping through their group with maximum points, as convincing victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea ensured top spot and set up a last-16 meeting with DR Congo on Tuesday afternoon.

But as relayed by ‘La Vague Verte’ on X, Rayan Ait Nouri was forced to return to the Algeria team hotel on Saturday in a mask on board an ambulance, preventing him from completing the full training session with the rest of his side.

However, for the time being, it is stressed that the reason for his early withdrawal remains unknown.

No official medical update has yet been issued by the Algerian Football Federation, and early indications suggest caution rather than confirmation of a serious problem. It remains unclear whether the use of an ambulance was purely precautionary or linked to a specific medical concern.

From a City perspective, the situation will be watched carefully, as Pep Guardiola’s squad continue to be tested by injuries themselves, and any potential issue involving an international regular inevitably raises questions over availability once players return.

Should Ait-Nouri be deemed fit, he is expected to remain in contention for Algeria’s clash with DR Congo – a fixture that could define their tournament trajectory. If not, Algeria may be forced into a late reshuffle, while City would hope any setback proves minor and short-term.