Man City injury news: Rayan Ait-Nouri update after summer signing forced off early in defeat to Tottenham

Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri who was forced off early in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers was handed his first start at the Etihad Stadium after making his full debut against his former club in the Citizens’ 4-0 opening win at Molineux last weekend.

However, Ait-Nouri twisted his left ankle on the 15-minute mark after closing down Spurs attacker Mohammed Kudus and required on-field treatment from City’s medical staff.

The Algeria international attempted to carry on, but he was not moving freely when he returned to the pitch and it became clear that an enforced change was required from manager Pep Guardiola.

Ait-Nouri went down for the second time in the 23rd minute and looked in some discomfort as he gingerly walked off the pitch, with Nathan Ake brought on as his replacement at left-back to feature in his first Premier League game for City since February 23.

Man City went on to concede two goals before the half-time whistle blew, with Brennan Johnson tapping home Tottenham’s opener before an error from goalkeeper James Trafford gifted the visitors a second goal scored by Joao Palhinha.

The Citizens had no response after the interval and they eventually slumped to a disappointing defeat to a well-organised Spurs side, fully deserving of their victory nine months on from securing an emphatic 4-0 victory at the Etihad last season.

After the match, Guardiola was unable to give a definitive update on Ait-Nouri’s condition, telling reporters: “I don’t know. I didn’t speak with the doctor yet.”

Ait-Nouri has therefore emerged as an injury doubt for Man City’s next Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on August 31.

The left-back is joined by Josko Gvardiol - another left-sided defender - Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Marcus Bettinelli in the Man City treatment room, though Gvardiol is closing in on a return after taking part in team training earlier this week.

After facing Brighton, Man City will prepare for the latest instalment of the Manchester derby at home to Manchester United on September 14 - their first match after the international break - before travelling to fellow title hopefuls Arsenal a week later.