Pep Guardiola opens up on pending absences of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City | OneFootball

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush will soon be jetting away from the Manchester City squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

While City’s focus remains firmly on their domestic and European objectives, Pep Guardiola and his staff will have to plan around a temporary double blow in the coming months over the course of the traditionally hectic winter period.

Both Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are set to represent their respective nations at the AFCON tournament, which runs across December and January – a period that traditionally brings some of the club’s most congested fixture lists.

Ait-Nouri, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is expected to link up with Algeria, while Marmoush will represent Egypt. Both have impressed since their arrivals, providing versatility and energy across positions, with the former offering dynamism on the left and Marmoush contributing direct attacking quality.

City will have been assessing how to mitigate temporary losses, with Guardiola known for adaptability and tendency to redeploy players in new roles. The likes of Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis could be asked to take on increased defensive responsibilities at left-back, while Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki may be required to offer more in the goalscoring department.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on his plans for life without Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush during the pair’s respective campaigns at the African Cup of Nations in December and January.

“It is what it is. The schedule, we have these competitions for the countries, so they have to go,” Guardiola told reporters.

The Manchester City boss continued, “Always I try to solve the problems when the problems are in front of me. Right now I don’t think at all.

“And when it’s going to happen that they cannot be here, after we will see what is the situation and we will take the decisions.”

While Pep Guardiola’s comments reflect his usual composed and pragmatic tone, Manchester City’s expected preparations behind the scenes are likely to account for potential fixture clashes and fatigue within the squad.

The club’s depth – often one of their greatest strengths in recent seasons – will be tested once again as they navigate domestic and European competition without two of their key senior options.

Looking ahead, much could depend on how far Algeria and Egypt progress in the tournament, with both expected to be among the stronger contenders at AFCON. Should either reach the later rounds, their return to Manchester could be delayed deep into January.

For Pep Guardiola and City, the focus remains on staying adaptable – a principle that has defined their dominance in recent years. And with the January transfer window coinciding with AFCON, the period could also provide the club with an opportunity to make short-term adjustments if needed, largely depending on fitness and injury status’ during the winter.