From France: Manchester City star sustains significant weight-loss during injury recovery | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki is the talk of the media over in France this week, particularly the notable change in the Manchester City playmaker’s physique over the last few weeks.

The Frenchman has been unavailable for selection in recent weeks since sustaining a muscular injury in August, shortly after arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Olympique Lyonnais in a much-anticipated summer transfer.

His absence has been somewhat felt in Pep Guardiola’s attacking rotation, with Manchester City easing him back into light training as the player nears full recovery, before returning to match action over the weekend against Everton and most recently away at Villarreal.

Cherki’s physical development has been a talking point since his early days in France, where his blend of flair and close control drew comparisons to Riyad Mahrez. However, the Premier League’s physical demands and Guardiola’s intense tactical style have presented a new challenge for the 21-year-old.

Reports in France now suggest that his body has undergone visible change since he last featured for City in the opening games of the ongoing season, while club staff are carefully monitoring the player’s condition ahead of a full return to the starting line-up.

According to a new report from French newspaper L’Equipe, Rayan Cherki lost two kilos during the period in which he was sidelined from Manchester City action due to a muscular injury sustained back in August – that as per a ‘source close to the player’.

The report also quotes a ‘fitness coach who knew the French international well at Olympique Lyonnais’, who went on to say, “Even if it’s only two kilos, it makes a huge difference when you have to repeat the short, high-intensity runs required by the Citizens’ game.”

While the figure may appear minor, the loss could affect Rayan Cherki’s explosiveness and stamina – both key traits in Pep Guardiola’s demanding positional play system in his Manchester City squad.

Cherki’s adaptation to the club’s physical and tactical environment will be one of the main focuses for Manchester City’s coaching staff as they reintegrate him over the coming weeks.

Looking forward, Rayan Cherki’s recovery will likely be managed with caution, particularly with City’s congested fixture list approaching. His creativity and versatility remain highly valued assets, and the club are eager to see how he responds once fully fit.