Ayyoub Bouaddi has been named on the Manchester City bench against Crystal Palace, meaning a debut will have to wait.
The midfielder, who impressed for Morocco at the World Cup this summer, completed an £86million transfer from Lille on Wednesday and is in the right physical condition to play.
Bouaddi ready but not rushed
“He is ready, he was working with his former club so he is fit,” Enzo Maresca said in Thursday’s press conference. “We will see how long it is in terms of adaptation but for sure he is ready to go.”
While the teenager is in the squad, Maresca’s comments in the press conference suggested he was always going to have to settle for a place on the bench.
“No rush for him. For sure he will help us now and in the future. But he is just 18,” the Man City boss added. “It is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way, don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time.”
Guehi in midfield, Cherki recalled
As Bouaddi has not been thrown in at the deep end away at Palace, former Eagles captain Marc Guehi looks set to operate as a defensive midfielder once again after netting in the comeback win over Bournemouth.
Elliot Anderson is fit despite picking up a knock against Bournemouth and Rayan Cherki does earn a recall to the starting lineup after setting up both goals to ensure Man City started the new Premier League season with a win.
The Frenchman’s return means Phil Foden is pushed out wide as Jeremy Doku has been ruled out through injury, leaving City short of options on the flanks.
Team news and how to watch
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Anderson, Guéhi, Foden, Cherki, Semenyo, Haaland
Injured: Doku. Doubts: Nunes.
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday, August 28, 2026. How to watch: Sky Sports. Venue: Selhurst Park.
