Riyad Mahrez will not join up with the Manchester City squad for tomorrow's game at Southampton.
Pep Guardiola today confirmed that the winger will now have a week off, after returning earlier than expected from the African Nations Cup.
Mahrez missed a penalty as holders Algeria crashed out of the tournament at the group stage with a 3-1 defeat by Ivory Coast yesterday, seemingly freeing their star man to return to the Etihad Stadium.
There was speculation that he could be involved at St Mary's tomorrow, but Guardiola said that he was now going to have a week off, as will the rest of the squad - apart from those with international games in South America - next week.
Asked about Mahrez's availability, Guardiola said: "After African Cup, he needs one week off."
He was also asked about Aleks Zinchenko and Nathan Ake, who both missed last week's win over Chelsea, along with youngster Cole Palmer.
Guardiola said Zinchenko is still absent but that Ake will be back with the squad for the trip to the south coast.
Unless Guardiola has kept any fresh injuries or illness to himself, that means City will have a powerful squad as they pursue a 13th straight Premier League win.
