Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton, as Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri returned to full first-team training. The pair were back at the City Football Academy on Thursday after several weeks on the sidelines, handing Pep Guardiola a timely lift as his side continue to recover from their early-season slump.
Both players have been regulars in Guardiola’s plans since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, with Marmoush joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and Ait-Nouri in June. Their absence over the last month left the City boss short of options on the left flank, but their return could not come at a better time.
After enduring a difficult start to the campaign – including back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton in their opening three league fixtures – Manchester City have steadied the ship.
A run of strong performances has lifted them to fifth in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s visit from David Moyes’ Everton.
Erling Haaland has been instrumental in City’s revival. The 25-year-old striker scored the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Brentford before the international break, maintaining City’s unbeaten run across all competitions since August.
The Norwegian’s consistency and leadership have helped re-establish confidence within the squad as they aim to mount a serious title challenge once again.
Guardiola’s Side Finding Balance After Summer Overhaul
Manchester City’s improvement in recent weeks has also stemmed from a renewed defensive solidity. Early-season losses to Tottenham and Brighton exposed familiar frailties reminiscent of their difficult 2024–25 campaign, which Guardiola described as one of his toughest seasons at the Etihad.
Guardiola himself admitted earlier this month that the squad is “in a period of transition,” following a summer window that brought in seven new first-team players and saw several key departures.
Meanwhile, despite the turnover, City’s performances in September and October have hinted at a side gradually finding its rhythm again, with Haaland’s form and Donnarumma’s presence forming the spine of their resurgence.
Saturday’s clash with Everton will be another test of that progress, and Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri returned to full first-team training will provide Guardiola with more tactical flexibility. Both players featured heavily in the early weeks of the season, and their reintroduction will help manage the workload across a busy fixture schedule.
According to Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan, both players took part in full training on Thursday, confirming their availability for selection. However, Guardiola is expected to be cautious with their involvement.
Ait-Nouri, who has been sidelined for a month, is unlikely to start immediately and will probably be eased back into action from the bench. The City manager remains wary of rushing players back too quickly, particularly amid ongoing concerns about recurring injuries across his squad.
Nico O’Reilly has shown great maturity filling in at left-back which means that the youngster could retain his starting spot against Everton. The 21-year-old has impressed during Ait-Nouri’s absence, offering a balance of defensive awareness and attacking support down the flank.
Meanwhile, Marmoush, who suffered a thigh injury during the September international break, is also expected to be named among the substitutes. His attacking versatility and sharpness will provide Guardiola with an additional option in the forward line, though he faces stiff competition for a starting role.
Newly-married winger Jeremy Doku has been in scintillating form since his standout performance in the 3-1 Manchester derby win last month, and the Belgian’s energy and directness have made him a key component of City’s attacking play.
City Eye Momentum Ahead of Toffees Visit
For Guardiola, the focus now is on maintaining momentum. City’s form heading into the international break signalled a turning point after a frustrating start to the season. The combination of Donnarumma’s authority in goal, a more disciplined defensive structure, and Haaland’s relentless scoring touch has restored belief at the Etihad.
READ NEXT: Two City Players Miss Training Amid Fitness Concern Ahead of Everton Clash
That cohesion will be tested by an Everton side known for their organisation and physicality under Dyche. City, though, will take confidence from their recent record against the Toffees, having gone unbeaten in their last nine league meetings.
A win on Saturday would not only keep them within touching distance of the top four but also strengthen belief that they can once again challenge for the Premier League crown.
