Pep Guardiola has addressed the upcoming absences of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush, who are set to depart the Manchester City squad for international duty at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.As City continue their pursuit of both domestic and European success, the manager and his coaching staff face a temporary challenge during one of the busiest periods of the football calendar — the festive and early winter months.
Both Ait-Nouri and Marmoush will represent their respective nations when the tournament kicks off in December and runs through January, a stretch often packed with Premier League and cup fixtures that test even the deepest squads.
City’s AFCON Departures Confirmed
Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is expected to join up with the Algerian national team, while Omar Marmoush will link up with Egypt. Both players have made strong impressions since their arrivals, contributing energy, versatility, and balance to Guardiola’s system.
Ait-Nouri’s dynamism on the left flank has added flexibility to City’s defence, while Marmoush has provided direct attacking threat and pressing intensity in the final third. Their absence will require tactical adjustments as City navigate a packed schedule.
Guardiola’s Reaction: Calm and Pragmatic
When asked about how City plan to cope without the pair during the tournament, Pep Guardiola remained characteristically calm, insisting that the focus will remain on adapting when the time comes.
“It is what it is. The schedule — we have these competitions for the countries, so they have to go,” Guardiola said. “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.”
His response reflects the composure and adaptability that have defined his managerial reign at the Etihad, with City already preparing contingency plans for the potential absence of two key squad members.
Possible Tactical Adjustments
Guardiola could look toward Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis to step up defensively during Ait-Nouri’s absence, while Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki may take on additional responsibility in the attacking third to compensate for Marmoush’s temporary departure.
City’s renowned squad depth — often considered their biggest weapon — will again be tested during this period, particularly as they balance the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League commitments.
AFCON’s Impact on City’s Season
The extent of the disruption could depend on how far Algeria and Egypt progress in the tournament. Both nations are expected to be among the contenders, meaning their players could miss multiple key fixtures if they advance to the later rounds.
With the January transfer window coinciding with AFCON, City may explore short-term adjustments if injuries or fatigue become factors — though Guardiola’s philosophy typically leans on internal solutions rather than emergency signings.
Regardless of the challenges ahead, Manchester City’s emphasis on adaptability, depth, and discipline remains unwavering — hallmarks that have powered their dominance in recent years. As AFCON approaches, Guardiola’s side will once again be tested on how well they can evolve under pressure.
