Riyad Mahrez might have been knocked out of the African Cup of Nations at the group stage, but Manchester City still have a reason to take a keen interest in the quarter finals.
Mahrez was trying to lead Algeria to a second successive AFCON title, but they were winless in the three group games and scored their only goal when 3-0 down in the final defeat to Ivory Coast - a game in which Mahrez missed a penalty to cap an awful tournament.
The winger's disappointment is City's gain, though, with City ready to welcome him back after a much-needed week holiday ahead of a busy period in February. While Mahrez may regret Algeria's under-par performance in Cameroon, his early return can be a boost for City following the winter break.
