Man City injury setback

Rayan Ait-Nouri limped off early in his Etihad debut against Tottenham, forcing a swift reshuffle.

Man City dealt major injury blow vs Tottenham as new signing limps off

In a Premier League clash at the Etihad, Manchester City saw their new left back Rayan Ait-Nouri forcefully taken off after about 15 minutes with what looked like an ankle issue. City quickly signalled a substitution and brought on Nathan Ake to fill the left flank as the medical team treated the French winger. Ait-Nouri had only just joined for 31 million pounds and had shown promise in recent appearances, making this a rough start to his City career.

The setback comes amid a wider issue at the back. Josko Gvardiol is still sidelined and Nico O Reilly has been used more in midfield this season, leaving City with a thinner pool at left back than ideal. The match itself saw Tottenham test the flank, and City leaned on Ake to steady the line while the medical staff assessed Ait-Nouri’s status. The club will now assess the injury and determine the timeline for a possible return as they navigate an early-season spell of rotation and recovery.

This injury underscores how even big spenders rely on depth and quick adaptation. Ait-Nouri’s early exit puts pressure on City to integrate a relatively new signing into a demanding system with limited immediate alternatives at left back. It also highlights how injuries to other defenders can ripple through the squad, forcing tactical tweaks and shifting duties to players like Ake. The episode raises questions about City’s rotation strategy and how quickly signings must prove their fitness and fit. In a season where every match matters, depth becomes a competitive edge as much as talent does.

Highlights

City will need a quick recovery and a clear plan to protect its defensive spine as the season progresses.