Algerian left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri returned to action with Manchester City in the heavy win over AEK Athens in the Champions League, after more than a month out with a muscle injury.
Manchester City’s Algeria international left-back played in a competitive match again in the Citizens’ victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League, after more than a month away from the pitch due to a muscle injury, according to Foot-Africa.com.
Coming on during the second half, Aït-Nouri played more than 25 minutes at high intensity without feeling the slightest physical discomfort. A return that comes at the perfect time for head coach Pep Guardiola, as he heads into a busy run of Premier League fixtures.
A return without a hitch
On his left flank, Aït-Nouri held his own for more than twenty-five minutes, without his body reminding him of his muscle injury, according to Foot-Africa.com. A reassuring cameo, on a night marked by the Citizens’ attacking fireworks.
The match was above all dominated by a hat-trick from England winger Phil Foden, whose stunning performance puts him in a select group of Manchester City scorers, reports Tribuna. Against a Greek side led by Cameroon defender Harold Moukoudi, centre-back and captain of AEK Athens, the Citizens handed the Athenian club a crushing defeat.
Guardiola savours his flexibility
The manager made no secret of his satisfaction at having his left-back back. “Having Rayan Aït-Nouri back at this level of form on the left flank gives us enormous flexibility as the schedule becomes ruthless,” he said, according to the Manchester Evening News.
This return is a huge relief for Pep Guardiola ahead of a busy run of Premier League fixtures, according to Foot-Africa.com. The Algeria head coach also welcomed the comeback with a view to the November qualifiers, according to Le Buteur.
AEK struggling, City lying in wait
The night was darker for AEK Athens. Moukoudi’s Greek club is going through a difficult spell on the European stage, with just one point from three matches, according to LiveFoot.
Manchester City, for their part, have 6 points from three league-phase matchdays, after losing to PSG the previous week. According to UEFA, the English club is moving back into the top 8 that qualify directly for the Champions League round of 16.
The schedule remains packed: a Premier League blockbuster awaits the Citizens this weekend, before matchday 4 of the Champions League, in early November, against Real Madrid or Slavia Prague.