The timing of AFCON — running from 21 December to 18 January — overlaps with a critical block of City’s calendar. Should either nation advance, absences could extend into mid-January and affect key matches such as the Manchester derby and FA Cup third round. If eliminated in the group stage, both players could be available as early as 4 January for the Chelsea game; deeper runs push returns back significantly.

City’s immediate plan is to absorb the losses through internal options and tactical shifts. Nico O’Reilly is expected to shoulder left-back duties, while forwards such as Savinho, Oscar Bobb or academy talents may be asked to step up during Marmoush’s absence. The club will also monitor fitness and rotation closely to avoid fatigue across the squad.

Beyond short-term patching, the call-ups could influence longer term planning: they increase the urgency around January recruitment discussions if injuries bite or form dips. Although Manchester City historically avoid panic buys, the combination of AFCON departures and existing injury concerns means the sporting leadership will keep the market under close review.

Crucially, City emphasise that national team commitments are respected and that both players depart with the club’s blessing. Guardiola’s staff will continue to adjust training loads and match strategies to maintain competitive momentum while the two internationals are away.

Key Highlights

• Players called up: Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria) & Omar Marmoush (Egypt).
• Mandatory release date: Players to join national camps after City’s fixture vs Crystal Palace.
• Potential impact: Both could miss matches from mid-December through mid-January depending on AFCON progression.
• Short-term cover: Nico O’Reilly, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and academy options expected to be considered.
• Transfer window implications: AFCON absences increase scrutiny on January plans should squad depth be tested further.

FAQs

Q: When do Ait-Nouri and Marmoush leave for AFCON?

A: FIFA’s release window requires players to depart in mid-December; City will release both after the Crystal Palace fixture (exact dates align with national team arrangements).

Q: Which City matches will they definitely miss?

A: They will miss the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford and at least one or two Premier League fixtures in late December — exact absences depend on AFCON group results and any progression.

Q: Who covers their positions while they’re away?

A: Nico O’Reilly is the immediate left-back cover option; attacking minutes may be redistributed to Savinho, Oscar Bobb or academy prospects. Tactical tweaks will be used to mitigate the loss.

Q: Could City sign short-term reinforcements in January because of AFCON?

A: While City traditionally avoid impulsive January signings, the club’s recruitment team will reassess if injuries or form make reinforcements necessary — AFCON increases that likelihood but does not guarantee incomings.

Q: When might the players return to Manchester?

A: If eliminated in the group stage they could be back by 4 January. Reaching knockout rounds pushes returns into mid- or late-January, potentially missing key fixtures.

Conclusion

Manchester City face a challenging winter window in which squad depth and rotation will be decisive. The loss of Ait-Nouri and Marmoush to AFCON is manageable on paper, but it places added emphasis on tactical flexibility, careful load management and the club’s January planning. For Pep Guardiola and his staff, the priority is to protect the team’s momentum — maintaining form across domestic and European commitments while supporting their players on the international stage is paramount.