Ait-Nouri, Marmoush – Man City injury latest ahead of Napoli and Arsenal highlights Pep Guardiola’s mounting concerns as the fixtures pile up. City overcame rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the derby, but the victory came with a reminder that key players remain sidelined.
Guardiola has been boosted by the return of Phil Foden, Abdoukdir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho, while Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly were involved after pulling out of England Under-21 duty. However, with Napoli visiting the Etihad on Thursday before a huge trip to Arsenal on Sunday, the City boss faces anxious waits on several first-team stars.
Omar Marmoush Injury
The Egyptian forward limped out of international duty against Burkina Faso, lasting just nine minutes before leaving on crutches. A scan in Cairo revealed no major structural damage, but Guardiola confirmed he will be sidelined for “a few weeks.”
“We have to make the last tests. A few weeks. Before the international break he will be ready.” — Pep Guardiola on Marmoush
Potential return date: Before October international break
John Stones Injury
The England centre-back was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s national squad as a precaution and also missed the Manchester derby. Stones has started all three of City’s league fixtures this season, but Guardiola admitted he remains a doubt.
“Stones as well is a doubt. Not a big issue but he is a doubt for Sunday.” — Pep Guardiola
Potential return date: Napoli (H) – Thursday, 18 September
Rayan Cherki
The French forward has been ruled out for two months with a thigh injury, meaning he could miss up to ten matches. Cherki was absent for City’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton and his creativity will be sorely missed as Guardiola rotates his frontline.
Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday, 26 October
Rayan Ait-Nouri
The £31m summer signing from Wolves sustained an ankle injury on his home debut against Tottenham and was not involved for Algeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers. Though he featured against Brighton, Guardiola confirmed he would sit out the derby and Napoli clash.
Potential return date: Arsenal (A) – Sunday, 21 September
Analyst verdict – by John William
City’s depth is again being tested early in the campaign. The loss of Marmoush and Cherki reduces Guardiola’s attacking flexibility, particularly from wide areas, while Ait-Nouri’s absence leaves a gap at left-back in a crucial week. Stones’ fitness is perhaps the biggest concern, with the England defender pivotal to City’s defensive balance and build-up play.
With Napoli and Arsenal looming, Guardiola will lean heavily on fit-again stars like Foden and Gvardiol. City’s ability to absorb these injuries without losing momentum will define their September.
Key insights
- Marmoush sidelined “a few weeks” after injury on Egypt duty.
- Stones missed the derby but could return vs Napoli.
- Cherki out until late October with thigh injury.
- Ait-Nouri expected back for Arsenal clash.
- Guardiola boosted by returns for Foden, Gvardiol, Savinho and Khusanov.
What’s next for City?
City host Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, looking to begin their European campaign strongly. Three days later, they travel to the Emirates for a showdown with Arsenal that could shape the early title picture.
Guardiola will hope at least one of Stones or Ait-Nouri can feature, while Marmoush and Cherki’s absences underline the importance of players like Foden stepping up.
👉 Which returning player is most important for Manchester City — Stones, Ait-Nouri or Marmoush?
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