Manchester City to lose two players to AFCON

Manchester City will be without two prominent stars during the festive period due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Pep Guardiola’s side have been riding high in recent weeks, having claimed five consecutive victories against Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland, Real Madrid and most recently Crystal Palace. 

City’s recent victories mean they have reduced the gap with leaders Arsenal to just two points in the Premier League, while they have also climbed to fourth in the Champions League standings. 

But the English giants face squad adjustments during a congested winter schedule, as Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are set to jet off to represent Algeria and Egypt respectively. 

The duo are not first-team regulars but are important squad players for City. 

Ait-Nouri has made eight appearances across all competitions this campaign, with an assist to his name. 

Meanwhile, Marmoush has played 15 times for the Citizens, with nine coming in the Premier League. 

Should neither of the two players manage to progress to the knockouts, they could return to City as soon as Sunday 4 January when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium. 

But if either or both go all the way in the competition, the first game back for them could be the home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 24 January. 

Nico O’Reilly is the first-choice left-back, but Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake could be given minutes on the left if Guardiola decides to rest the England international. 

Meanwhile, forwards Savinho and Oscar Bobb may move higher up the pecking order during Marmoush’s absence. 

Stats from Transfermarkt